Ligatured: meaning, definitions and examples

✍️
Add to dictionary

ligatured

 

[ˈlɪɡətʃərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

writing style

Ligatured refers to the style of writing in which two or more letters are combined into a single glyph or character. This practice is commonly found in typography and calligraphy to create a more aesthetically pleasing and unified appearance of text. Ligatures may help improve readability by reducing spacing between certain letter combinations, preventing collisions, or enhancing the flow of written language. Examples of ligatures include 'fi', 'fl', and 'th', where the letters are joined to avoid awkward spacing.

Synonyms

combined, connected, joined.

Examples of usage

  • The word 'fidelity' is often written with a ligature.
  • In modern fonts, ligatured letters can improve the text's visual appeal.
  • The designer chose a ligatured style for the logo to enhance its elegance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'ligatura', meaning 'to bind or tie'.
  • Ligatures were first used in ancient manuscripts, particularly to save space and enhance readability.

Typography

  • Ligatures are often used in certain typefaces to create smoother connections between letters, making text more aesthetically pleasing.
  • Common ligatures include 'fi', 'fl', 'ff', which prevent awkward spacing between letters, known as 'rivers' in typography.

Cultural Context

  • In calligraphy, ligatures are essential for creating flowing scripts that feel more dynamic and artistic.
  • Some modern logos creatively use ligatures to fuse letters together, representing unity and brand identity.

Examples in Literature

  • Many classic books were typeset with ligatures to provide a cohesive reading experience and enhance presentation.
  • Notable typographers like Eric Gill embraced ligatures in their works, integrating them into well-known typefaces.

Science of Reading

  • Research shows that well-designed ligatures can enhance reading speed and comprehension because they create a visual flow.
  • Linguistic studies suggest that ligatured forms may aid in the development of reading skills by familiarizing children with letter shapes.

Translations

Translations of the word "ligatured" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ligado

🇮🇳 संयुक्त

🇩🇪 Ligatur

🇮🇩 ligatur

🇺🇦 лігатурний

🇵🇱 ligatura

🇯🇵 合字

🇫🇷 ligaturé

🇪🇸 ligadura

🇹🇷 ligatür

🇰🇷 결합된

🇸🇦 موصول

🇨🇿 ligatura

🇸🇰 ligatúra

🇨🇳 连字

🇸🇮 ligatura

🇮🇸 samband

🇰🇿 лига

🇬🇪 ლიგატურა

🇦🇿 ligatur

🇲🇽 ligadura