Home
/ Dictionary
/ Starting With H
/ Page 6
/ Handwriting

Handwriting: meaning, definitions and examples

✍️

Add to dictionary

handwriting

[ ˈhandˌraɪtɪŋ ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

improving

The activity or skill of writing by hand, especially in a neat, legible way.

Synonyms

penmanship, script.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
handwriting	General term for writing by hand, can refer to anyone's writing style. Her handwriting is very neat and easy to read
script	Can refer to handwriting but is also commonly used to describe a particular style or typeface of writing, often with a flowing or cursive style. She uses a beautiful script for writing wedding invitations
penmanship	Refers specifically to the style or skill of writing by hand, often implying a higher quality or skill level. His excellent penmanship makes every letter look like a piece of art

Word

Description / Examples

handwriting

General term for writing by hand, can refer to anyone's writing style.

Her handwriting is very neat and easy to read

script

Can refer to handwriting but is also commonly used to describe a particular style or typeface of writing, often with a flowing or cursive style.

She uses a beautiful script for writing wedding invitations

penmanship

Refers specifically to the style or skill of writing by hand, often implying a higher quality or skill level.

His excellent penmanship makes every letter look like a piece of art

Examples of usage

Her handwriting has improved significantly since she started practicing every day.
The teacher praised the student for her neat handwriting on the test.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

identification

A person's particular style of writing by hand.

Synonyms

hand, penmanship, script.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
handwriting	Used to refer to the way someone writes by hand, regardless of quality or appearance. Her handwriting is so neat and easy to read. I can't read his handwriting; it's too sloppy.
script	Can refer to a style of handwriting, especially a cursive or calligraphic style. It can also mean the written text of a play or movie. She learned to write in a beautiful script. The actors read through the script before starting the rehearsal.
hand	Often used in phrases like 'hand in' or 'write by hand' to indicate the physical act of writing. It is less commonly used specifically for referring to writing style. The teacher asked us to hand in our assignments. I prefer handwritten notes because they feel more personal.
penmanship	Specifically refers to the art or skill of writing by hand. It often has a technical or formal tone. He won an award for his exceptional penmanship. Good penmanship is important for beautiful calligraphy.

Examples of usage

I can tell who wrote the letter just by looking at the handwriting.
The expert analyzed the handwriting on the document to determine its authenticity.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

manuscript

The written text of a document or piece of music as opposed to printed material.

Synonyms

hand, manuscript, penmanship, script.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
handwriting	General term used to describe a person's writing by hand. Can be used for any informal or formal text. His handwriting is very neat I can't read your handwriting
script	Can refer to both a style of handwriting and to written text for plays, films, or other performances. Often indicates a cursive or flowing style of writing. Her script is elegant and easy to read He wrote the movie's script in just two weeks
manuscript	Formal term mostly used for a draft or original piece of writing, often referred to in academic, historical, or publishing contexts. The author submitted her manuscript to the publisher Medieval manuscripts are often displayed in museums
hand	Refers to one's style of writing, typically when assessing or describing someone's skill or individual way of writing. His hand is recognizable from a mile away The document was written in a beautiful hand
penmanship	Refers specifically to the art or skill of writing by hand, often used when discussing the quality or technique of someone's writing. Good penmanship is considered important for professional presentations His penmanship is impeccable

Examples of usage

The book was a valuable handwritten manuscript from the 15th century.
The composer's original handwriting of the symphony was on display at the museum.

Translations

Translations of the word "handwriting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caligrafia

🇮🇳 हस्तलेखन

🇩🇪 Handschrift

🇮🇩 tulisan tangan

🇺🇦 почерк

🇵🇱 pismo ręczne

🇯🇵 手書き

🇫🇷 écriture manuscrite

🇪🇸 escritura a mano

🇹🇷 el yazısı

🇰🇷 필체

🇸🇦 خط اليد

🇨🇿 rukopis

🇸🇰 rukopis

🇨🇳 手写

🇸🇮 rokopis

🇮🇸 handrit

🇰🇿 қолжазба

🇬🇪 ხელნაწერი

🇦🇿 əl yazısı

🇲🇽 escritura a mano

Etymology

The word 'handwriting' dates back to the 17th century, where the combination of 'hand' and 'writing' was used to refer to the act of writing by hand. Throughout history, handwriting has played a crucial role in communication and documentation, evolving with the introduction of different writing instruments and styles. Handwriting analysis has also been used for forensic purposes, determining authenticity and identifying individuals based on their unique writing characteristics.