Initials Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
initials
[ษชหnษชสษlz ]
Definition
name abbreviation
Initials are the first letters of a person's first, middle, and last names, typically used to represent the person's full name in a shorter form.
Synonyms
abbreviations, acronyms, monograms.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| initials |
Use 'initials' when referring to the first letters of someone's name or a company. It's common in formal writing or identification.
|
| acronyms |
Use 'acronyms' when talking about a type of abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a phrase where the letters are pronounced as a word.
|
| abbreviations |
Use 'abbreviations' when shorting longer words or phrases, often used for convenience in writing or speaking.
|
| monograms |
Use 'monograms' when referring to a motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters, typically a personโs initials, used decoratively.
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Examples of usage
- Please write your initials on the top of the page.
- The luggage was monogrammed with her initials.
- The document required the CEO's initials for approval.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'initials'
The term 'initials' originated from the Latin word 'initialis', which means 'of the beginning'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. Initially, initials were used mainly for official documents and monograms. Over time, the usage of initials expanded to include personal identification and signatures.
See also: initialism, initialisms, initialize, initially.