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Heading Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heading

[ˈhɛdɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

document

A title or caption at the top of a page or section of a document.

Synonyms

caption, header, title.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heading

Used mainly to denote the main title of a section of text, document, or article.

  • The heading of the chapter is 'Introduction to Chemistry'.
  • Make sure each page has a clear heading.
title

Used to refer to the name of a book, article, film, or other work, or the main title for any document.

  • The title of the book is 'The Great Gatsby'.
  • What's the title of the new movie?
caption

Used to describe the text that accompanies a picture, illustration or a chart.

  • The caption under the photograph read, 'Family Reunion 2020'.
  • Remember to add a caption to each illustration.
header

Refers to the text at the top of a page in a document, usually used for repeated information like the title, date, or page number.

  • The header includes the page number and the document title.
  • Ensure the header is consistent across all pages.

Examples of usage

  • The heading of the report summarized the key findings.
  • Please include a heading for each section of the presentation.
Context #2 | Noun

direction

The direction in which a ship, aircraft, or vehicle is moving.

Synonyms

bearing, course, direction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heading

This term is commonly used in navigation, journalism, and document formatting. It refers to the direction in which someone or something is moving, and the title of a section of text.

  • Make sure your heading is set to 270 degrees if you want to reach the island.
  • The heading on the report needs to be bold.
course

Commonly used in navigation, education, and general progression, course refers to the path or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, or the trajectory of an action.

  • The ship maintained a steady course towards the port.
  • She decided to change her course in life and go back to school.
bearing

Typically used in navigation and aviation, bearing refers to the direction or position of something, often in relation to north. It can also mean someone's attitude or posture.

  • We need to adjust our bearing by 15 degrees to the east.
  • Despite the chaos, the captain maintained a calm bearing.
direction

This broad term is used in many contexts like navigation, giving instructions, and indicating orientation or order of things.

  • Follow the direction of the signs to reach the exit.
  • The team needs clear direction from the leader to succeed.

Examples of usage

  • The captain adjusted the ship's heading to avoid the storm.
  • The compass showed that our heading was due north.
Context #3 | Verb

move

To travel or proceed in a particular direction.

Synonyms

go, proceed, travel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heading

Used to describe someone moving in a specific direction, often with a purpose or destination. Common in everyday conversations.

  • We're heading to the store for groceries.
  • She was heading north on the freeway.
go

A very general term that implies movement from one place to another. Suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Let's go to the park.
  • I need to go home now.
travel

Specifically refers to moving over a longer distance, usually for a journey, vacation, or work. Suitable for both casual and formal use.

  • I love to travel to different countries.
  • We will travel by train across the country.
proceed

A formal term often used in instructions, formal documentation, or to describe continuing an action after a pause.

  • After the meeting, we will proceed to the conference room.
  • Please proceed with the installation.

Examples of usage

  • We are heading towards the mountains for our camping trip.
  • The team is heading to the championship game.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In books and articles, headings help organize content into sections for easier reading and understanding.
  • Effective headings can draw readers in, indicating what they will learn or find in that section.

Navigation

  • In maritime terms, a 'heading' refers to the direction in which a vessel is pointed while traveling.
  • Pilots use headings to maintain course during flights, indicating the angle they need to fly.

Psychology

  • Headings can influence how readers perceive information, guiding their attention and making it easier to process.
  • People are more likely to remember information that is organized under clear headings.

Pop Culture

  • In social media, headings are often used as hashtags to categorize content, making it easier to find popular topics.
  • Music albums sometimes have 'headings' in the form of titles that convey the central theme of the collection.

Origin of 'heading'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'heading' comes from the Old English word 'hedd', which means 'the top or end'.
  • It has evolved over centuries, adapting to different contexts, from navigation to written works.

The word 'heading' originated from the Middle English 'heding', which meant 'a heading or title'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The term has evolved to refer to various contexts, including document titles and directional movement.

See also: beheader, head, headache, headband, headbands, header, headgear, headhunter, headland, headline, headman, headmaster, headmistress, headpiece, headquarters, headrest, headscarf, headset, headshot, headsman, headstall, headstrong, headwear, headwind, headwrap, hothead, overhead.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,577, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.