Majuscule: meaning, definitions and examples

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majuscule

 

[ˈmædʒəˌskjuːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in typography

A large letter, either at the beginning of a sentence or a proper noun.

Synonyms

capital letter, uppercase letter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
majuscule

Majuscule is often used in academic or formal discussions about writing and typography. It refers to large letters that are used in specific contexts, such as in old manuscripts or inscriptions.

  • The ancient Roman inscriptions were written in majuscule.
  • Majuscule letters are often seen in medieval manuscripts.
capital letter

Capital letter is a common term used in everyday language, especially in primary education, to refer to the large letters used at the beginning of sentences and proper nouns.

  • You should start each sentence with a capital letter.
  • Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter.
uppercase letter

Uppercase letter is a technical term frequently used in computing, typing, and digital communication. It refers to the large letters that are distinct from lowercase letters.

  • Passwords are case-sensitive, so be sure to use an uppercase letter where needed.
  • Please fill out the form using only uppercase letters.

Examples of usage

  • The first letter of the sentence should always be a majuscule.
  • She wrote her name in majuscule letters.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing letters

Of or relating to a large letter.

Synonyms

capital, uppercase.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
majuscule

Used in academic or specialized discussions about ancient manuscripts or typography, where specific historical or technical details about large letters are relevant.

  • The manuscript was written in majuscule script, which was common in the Middle Ages
capital

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the large, upper-case letters at the beginning of sentences or names.

  • Don't forget to start the sentence with a capital letter
uppercase

Used in discussions about computer programming, digital text formatting, and general typography to specify that letters should be large and upper-case.

  • Please enter your password in uppercase letters

Examples of usage

  • She used a majuscule font for the title.
  • The majuscule characters were easier to read.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'majuscule' comes from the Latin word 'majusculus,' meaning 'larger' or 'greater.'
  • It originally referred to the larger letters used in formal writing in ancient Rome.

Writing Systems

  • Majuscule letters were first used in inscriptions and on monuments, showing their importance in communication.
  • The distinction between majuscule and minuscule letters helped develop the modern alphabet we use today.

Cultural Impact

  • In the Middle Ages, copying texts using majuscule was regarded as a sign of beauty and craftsmanship.
  • Majuscule typography is often associated with formal documents, giving a sense of authority and prestige.

Psychology of Reading

  • Research shows that larger letters, like majuscule, can be easier for some people to read, especially those with certain visual impairments.
  • Using majuscule letters in writing can evoke a sense of urgency or emphasis, affecting how the text is perceived.

Literature

  • In poetry, majuscule letters can be used to start lines, creating a visual break and giving prominence to the text.
  • Famous literary works often feature majuscule to differentiate between titles, names, and special terms, enhancing the reading experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "majuscule" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maiúscula

🇮🇳 अक्षरमाला का बड़ा अक्षर

🇩🇪 Großbuchstabe

🇮🇩 huruf besar

🇺🇦 велика літера

🇵🇱 wielka litera

🇯🇵 大文字(おおもじ)

🇫🇷 majuscule

🇪🇸 mayúscula

🇹🇷 büyük harf

🇰🇷 대문자 (daemunja)

🇸🇦 حرف كبير

🇨🇿 velké písmeno

🇸🇰 veľké písmeno

🇨🇳 大写字母 (dàxiě zìmǔ)

🇸🇮 velika črka

🇮🇸 stór stafur

🇰🇿 бас әріп

🇬🇪 დიდი ასო

🇦🇿 böyük hərf

🇲🇽 mayúscula

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,624, 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.