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Longhand: meaning, definitions and examples

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longhand

 

[ ˈlɒŋˌhænd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

writing style

Longhand refers to a style of writing in which each letter is written in full, as opposed to shorthand where letters are abbreviated. This form of writing is often used for note-taking or written assignments where clarity and detail are required. Longhand is usually performed with a pen or pencil on paper, allowing for a personal touch in the written output.

Synonyms

cursive, handwriting, script

Examples of usage

  • She prefers to write her notes in longhand.
  • He completed the exam in longhand to ensure legibility.
  • Longhand can be more expressive than typed text.

Translations

Translations of the word "longhand" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escrita longa

🇮🇳 लंबा हाथ से लिखना

🇩🇪 Schreibschrift

🇮🇩 tulisan panjang

🇺🇦 долгий почерк

🇵🇱 pismo odręczne

🇯🇵 手書き

🇫🇷 écriture manuscrite

🇪🇸 escritura a mano

🇹🇷 uzun yazı

🇰🇷 손글씨

🇸🇦 الكتابة بخط اليد

🇨🇿 rukopis

🇸🇰 rukopis

🇨🇳 手写

🇸🇮 ročni zapis

🇮🇸 handrit

🇰🇿 қолмен жазу

🇬🇪 ხელით წერა

🇦🇿 əllə yazı

🇲🇽 escritura a mano

Etymology

The term 'longhand' dates back to the mid-17th century and is a combination of the prefix 'long', indicating fullness or completeness, and 'hand', referring to the act of writing. The distinction between longhand and shorthand became notably significant with the development of various shorthand systems used for rapid transcription of speech. Longhand has been the traditional means of writing for centuries, especially before the advent of typewriters and computers. It encompasses any writing that is fully formed and not abbreviated, allowing for clarity. The opposed term, 'shorthand', emphasizes brevity, which emerged as a useful tool for journalists and secretaries who needed to capture speech quickly. The continued importance of longhand in educational settings highlights its role in cognitive processes, reinforcing memory through the physical act of writing.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,253 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.