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Penmanship: meaning, definitions and examples

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penmanship

 

[ ˈpɛnmənˌʃɪp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

improve handwriting skills

The art or skill of writing by hand, especially in a beautiful and expressive way. Penmanship is often associated with calligraphy and elegant script styles.

Synonyms

cursive, handwriting, script

Examples of usage

  • Her penmanship was so exquisite that it looked like a work of art.
  • The teacher praised the student for their neat penmanship on the essay.
Context #2 | Noun

school curriculum

The teaching or practice of handwriting as an essential part of education. Penmanship classes were common in schools in the past, focusing on improving legibility and style.

Synonyms

handwriting instruction, script practice

Examples of usage

  • She took a penmanship class to work on her handwriting skills.
  • Penmanship was included in the curriculum to ensure students had clear and readable handwriting.

Translations

Translations of the word "penmanship" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caligrafia

🇮🇳 हस्तलेखन

🇩🇪 Schreibkunst

🇮🇩 tulisan tangan

🇺🇦 каліграфія

🇵🇱 kaligrafia

🇯🇵 書道 (しょどう)

🇫🇷 calligraphie

🇪🇸 caligrafía

🇹🇷 hüsnühat

🇰🇷 서예 (書藝)

🇸🇦 فن الخط

🇨🇿 kaligrafie

🇸🇰 kaligrafia

🇨🇳 书法

🇸🇮 kaligrafija

🇮🇸 skrift

🇰🇿 қолтаңба

🇬🇪 კალიგრაფია

🇦🇿 xəttatlıq

🇲🇽 caligrafía

Word origin

The term 'penmanship' originated in the 18th century, combining 'pen' and 'manship' (from 'man' meaning 'to write'). It became popular during a time when elegant handwriting was highly valued as a sign of refinement and education. Penmanship has evolved with the development of writing instruments and styles over the centuries.

See also: pen, penal, penance, penholder, penman, penning, pennon, pens.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,655, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.