Finesentence logo

Italicize: meaning, definitions and examples

✏️
Add to dictionary

italicize

 

[ ˌɪtəˈlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

text formatting

To italicize is to apply a style to text that slants the letters to the right. This style is often used to emphasize a word or phrase, making it stand out from regular text. Italics can also indicate titles of works such as books, movies, and artworks. In addition, italicization can denote foreign words or phrases within an English text.

Synonyms

lean, oblique, slant

Examples of usage

  • She decided to italicize the book title in her essay.
  • To emphasize the word 'important', you should italicize it.
  • Many word processors have an option to italicize selected text quickly.

Translations

Translations of the word "italicize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 itálico

🇮🇳 इटैलिक

🇩🇪 kursiv

🇮🇩 italik

🇺🇦 курсив

🇵🇱 kursywa

🇯🇵 イタリック

🇫🇷 italique

🇪🇸 cursiva

🇹🇷 italik

🇰🇷 이탤릭체

🇸🇦 مائل

🇨🇿 kurzíva

🇸🇰 kurzíva

🇨🇳 斜体

🇸🇮 kurziv

🇮🇸 skáletta

🇰🇿 курсив

🇬🇪 იტალიკი

🇦🇿 italik

🇲🇽 cursiva

Etymology

The word 'italicize' originates from the late 19th century, derived from the term 'italic', which refers to a style of typeface characterized by its sloping letters. The term 'italic' itself comes from the Italian 'italico', indicating that this style of font was first used in Italy. The use of italicized text became particularly popular with the advent of printing in the Renaissance period when printers began using different typefaces to provide emphasis and aesthetic variety in printed works. Over time, the practice of italicizing words became a standard convention in English and other languages, particularly for highlighting important information or distinguishing text within various forms of written communication.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,160, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.