Paperback Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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paperback
[ˈpeɪpərbæk ]
Definitions
book format
A book with flexible card or paper covers and typically held together with glue rather than stitches or staples.
Synonyms
pocket book, softcover, trade paperback.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| paperback |
This term describes a book with a flexible paper cover, usually less expensive than a hardcover. It's commonly used in casual reading and can be found in bookstores for various genres.
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| softcover |
Another term for paperback, 'softcover' is often used interchangeably but might be seen in more formal or technical contexts, such as libraries or publishing.
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| pocket book |
Often referring to a smaller-sized paperback that fits easily into a pocket or small bag, making it convenient for travel. This term is less commonly used nowadays but still understood in specific contexts of portability.
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| trade paperback |
A higher quality paperback, often larger in size, and more expensive than a mass-market paperback. It's used for more serious readings, such as literary fiction or academic books.
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Examples of usage
- It's more convenient to carry a paperback in your bag than a hardcover book.
- She prefers reading paperbacks over e-books.
- Paperbacks are usually cheaper than hardcover books.
- The store has a large selection of paperbacks.
- I always buy paperbacks when I travel.
price
A book that is printed and bound cheaply, often in a smaller size than the original hardcover edition.
Synonyms
cheap edition, mass-market paperback.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| paperback |
This term refers to a book with a thick paper cover. It's often used to contrast with 'hardcover' editions. It's a common format for fiction and non-fiction books, accessible and affordable for many readers.
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| cheap edition |
This phrase often has a negative connotation, suggesting a lower quality product. It's usually used to highlight that a book is less expensive and potentially of poorer quality than other editions.
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| mass-market paperback |
This refers to a smaller, less expensive paperback that is printed in large quantities. It is usually found in supermarkets, drugstores, and newsstands, rather than just bookstores. These are designed to be affordable for the general public.
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Examples of usage
- I bought the paperback version because it was more affordable.
- The paperback edition of the novel came out a few months after the hardcover.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Publishing History
- The success of paperbacks skyrocketed after World War II, making literature more accessible to the general public.
- In the 1950s, Ballantine Books popularized paperback formats in the U.S. with novels that appealed to a young, diverse audience.
Cultural Impact
- Paperbacks made it easier for readers to enjoy popular genres like romance and science fiction without breaking the bank.
- During the 1960s, counterculture movements embraced paperback editions of classic literature, introducing them to new readers.
Environmental Considerations
- As a lighter alternative to hardcovers, paperbacks use less material, contributing to lower production costs and environmental impact.
- Many modern paperbacks are made from recycled paper, promoting sustainability in the publishing industry.
Collectibility
- Certain paperback editions, especially first prints or those with unique cover art, have become valuable collector's items over time.
- Author signatures are highly sought after in paperbacks, often increasing the book's value in the collectors' market.
Origin of 'paperback'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'paperback' emerged in the early 20th century to distinguish books with flexible covers from sturdier hardcovers.
- The first mass-produced paperback debuted in Germany in 1837, which allowed books to be sold at lower prices.
The term 'paperback' originated in the 19th century when publishers started producing books with flexible paper-based covers instead of hardback bindings. These affordable editions made literature more accessible to a wider audience, contributing to the popularization of reading. Over time, paperbacks became a staple in the publishing industry, offering readers a convenient and economical way to enjoy books.
See also: paperclip, paperclips, papers, paperwork.