Italicizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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italicizing

[ˌɪtəlˈaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

text formatting

Italicizing is the process of slanting text to the right, which is a common method used in typography to add emphasis to certain words or phrases. This style can help distinguish titles, foreign words, or any other text that requires special attention. It is often utilized in writing to indicate that a term is being defined, or to highlight a point. Various software applications allow users to italicize text easily, typically through a formatting option or keyboard shortcut.

Synonyms

emphasize, oblique, slant.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to italicize the title of her essay.
  • In academic writing, it is common to italicize foreign terms.
  • The author chose to italicize important concepts to draw attention.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often use italics to indicate thoughts or emphasize certain phrases, enhancing the reader's engagement.
  • Classic authors like Shakespeare would use italicization strategically to convey emotion or highlight key phrases in plays.
  • In poetry, italics can denote a shift in voice or highlight a theme, creating a rhythmic distinction on the page.

Typography

  • Italic fonts are used in signage for clarity and emphasis, helping to distinguish names of artworks or book titles.
  • Designers often pair italic fonts with regular fonts to create visual contrast and maintain reader interest.
  • Different styles of italics exist, such as slanted italics and cursive styles, each providing a unique flair to text.

Digital Communication

  • In messaging apps, using underscores or asterisks before and after words can create an italic effect, similar to formatting in documents.
  • The rise of social media brought a new emphasis on italics, allowing users to add personality to their text through different formats.
  • Online content creators often utilize italic text to draw attention to key points or emphasize personal opinions in their posts.

Origin of 'italicizing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'italic' comes from the Latin word 'italicus', referring to an ancient writing style used by Italians.
  • Originally, italic type was created in the 1500s by an Italian printer named Aldus Manutius, who aimed for a more elegant format.
  • The design of italic fonts is meant to mimic handwriting, adding a personal touch to printed text.

The term 'italicize' comes from the late Latin word 'italicus', which means 'Italian'. This reflects the origins of the italic typeface, which was developed by Italian printers in the 15th century. The first known use of italic types was by Aldus Manutius in 1500. Italic type was designed to mimic handwriting, giving a more personal touch to the printed word. Over the centuries, the style became widely used for various purposes, including emphasis and differentiation of text. The verb form 'italicize' emerged in the English language in the early 20th century, aligning with the increasing use of typed and printed materials in communication.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,219, 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.