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Highlighters: meaning, definitions and examples

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highlighters

 

[ˈhaɪˌlaɪ.tər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

stationery

Highlighters are pens with a translucent ink that is brightly colored, used to mark important sections of text.

Synonyms

fluorescent pen, highlighting pen, marker.

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Word Description / Examples
marker

Broadly used for writing or drawing on various surfaces, not just for highlighting. Can be used for making posters, labels, and creating bold lines or text.

  • The teacher used a marker to write on the whiteboard
  • Kids love to draw with colorful markers
fluorescent pen

Often used in artistic and creative contexts for drawing or adding bright, eye-catching details. Can also be used to mark text but less commonly than highlighters.

  • The artist used a fluorescent pen to add vibrant details to her sketch
  • He prefers writing his notes with fluorescent pens because they stand out
highlighting pen

Another term for a highlighter, typically used in the same contexts such as studying, annotating, and organizing information.

  • She highlighted the most critical paragraphs with a bright yellow highlighting pen
  • Highlighting pens are essential for students to keep their notes organized

Examples of usage

  • She used highlighters to mark the key points in her notes.
  • I need a yellow highlighter to highlight the important dates in my planner.
Context #2 | Noun

art

Highlighters can also refer to brushes or tools used by artists to add bright accents or highlights to their artwork.

Synonyms

accent tool, brush, highlighting tool.

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Word Description / Examples
highlighters

Commonly used in office, school, or study settings to mark important text or emphasize key points in books, notes, or documents.

  • I always use highlighters to mark important dates in my planner.
  • Highlighters are essential for students to highlight key terms in textbooks.
brush

Usually used in the context of art, painting, or digital design to apply, spread, or emphasize colors, textures, or lines.

  • The artist used a fine brush to add details to the painting.
  • In the photo editing software, she used a brush to highlight her subject's features.
accent tool

Typically refers to a tool used to emphasize or highlight parts of text or objects in design or writing, often in a more sophisticated or specific context, such as graphic design or presentations.

  • In graphic design, the accent tool helps to draw attention to key elements of the layout.
  • She used an accent tool to highlight the main points in her business report.
highlighting tool

Often used interchangeably with highlighters, but can also refer to software tools designed to emphasize or mark text or areas on screens in digital documents or websites.

  • Many PDF readers come with a highlighting tool for annotating documents.
  • Teachers often use the highlighting tool in presentation software to emphasize key points.

Examples of usage

  • The artist used a fine-tipped highlighter to add details to the painting.
  • She used a highlighter to create a shimmering effect on the canvas.
Context #3 | Noun

makeup

In the makeup industry, highlighters are products used to add glow and shimmer to specific areas of the face, like cheekbones.

Synonyms

glow enhancer, illuminator, shimmer product.

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Word Description / Examples
highlighters

Used to emphasize parts of text in documents or books.

  • Highlight the key points in the chapter using different-colored highlighters.
  • I always use highlighters to mark important dates in my planner.
illuminator

Primarily used in makeup to brighten specific areas of the face and create a glowing effect.

  • I used an illuminator on my cheekbones and nose for a more defined look.
  • The makeup artist suggested using an illuminator for the photo shoot to make the face appear brighter.
glow enhancer

Typically used in beauty and makeup to give skin a radiant look.

  • She applied a glow enhancer to get that dewy finish.
  • For a natural glow, use a glow enhancer before your foundation.
shimmer product

Refers to any makeup product that contains glitter or shimmery particles to add sparkle to the skin.

  • Apply a shimmer product to your eyelids for a festive look.
  • She likes using a shimmer product on her shoulders and décolletage for special events.

Examples of usage

  • She applied a highlighter to her cheeks to create a radiant look.
  • The makeup artist used a liquid highlighter to enhance the model's features.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'highlighter' originated from the 1960s when the first products were designed to make text pop.
  • The word 'highlight' is borrowed from Middle English, where it meant to emphasize or make prominent.

Education

  • Many students find that using bright colors to underline and mark text can improve memory and learning retention.
  • Different colors in highlighters can signify different themes or categories, aiding organization and study strategies.

Art & Design

  • Highlighters are not just for writing; artists often use them for vibrant illustrations and creative projects.
  • The fluorescent pigments in highlighters glow under UV light, making them popular in art installations and party decorations.

Psychology

  • Research has shown that color can influence our mood; bright, fluorescent colors used in highlighters can create excitement and engagement while studying.
  • Highlighting can affect cognitive load, as organizing information visually can lessen the burden on memory.

Pop Culture

  • In films and TV shows, highlighters often symbolize youth, school life, and the chaotic yet colorful nature of student life.
  • The popularity of highlighters has inspired novelty designs and collaborations, turning them into collectible items for fans and artists.

Translations

Translations of the word "highlighters" in other languages:

🇵🇹 marcadores

🇮🇳 हाइलाइटर्स

🇩🇪 Textmarker

🇮🇩 penanda

🇺🇦 маркери

🇵🇱 zakreślacze

🇯🇵 ハイライター

🇫🇷 surligneurs

🇪🇸 resaltadores

🇹🇷 vurgulayıcılar

🇰🇷 형광펜

🇸🇦 أقلام التمييز

🇨🇿 zvýrazňovače

🇸🇰 zvýrazňovače

🇨🇳 荧光笔

🇸🇮 označevalci

🇮🇸 litur

🇰🇿 маркерлер

🇬🇪 მარკერები

🇦🇿 işarələyicilər

🇲🇽 resaltadores

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,325, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.