Serif: meaning, definitions and examples

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serif

 

[ หˆsษ›rษชf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

typography style

A serif is a small decorative stroke at the end of a letter's stem or arm. Serifs are traditionally used in print typography, providing a sense of formality and elegance to typesetting. They are believed to aid readability for long texts.

Synonyms

decorative line, stroke

Examples of usage

  • The font's serifs give it a classic, elegant look.
  • Many printed books use serif fonts for improved readability.
  • Graphic designers often prefer serif typefaces for traditional layouts.
Context #2 | Noun

font category

Serif refers to a category of typefaces that have projecting features at the ends of strokes. These typefaces usually convey a sense of luxury and is often used for printed materials.

Synonyms

font, typeface

Examples of usage

  • Times New Roman is a widely used serif font.
  • Many brands use serif fonts in their logos to convey trust.
  • Serif fonts are less common on the web compared to sans-serif fonts.

Translations

Translations of the word "serif" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น serif

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅ‡เคฐเคฟเคซเคผ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Serif

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ serif

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะตั€ะธั„

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ serif

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ปใƒชใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท serif

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ serif

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท serif

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ธ๋ฆฌํ”„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูŠุฑูŠู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ serif

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ serif

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่กฌ็บฟๅญ—ไฝ“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ serif

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ serif

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะตั€ั–ั„

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜แƒคแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ serif

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ serif

Word origin

The term 'serif' comes from the Dutch word 'schreef', which means 'line' or 'to write'. The use of serifs in typography dates back to the origins of the printing press in the 15th century. Early typesetters employed serifs in letterforms to create more visually appealing and legible text. Over time, as typefaces evolved, the design of serifs became more varied and stylized, leading to the creation of different serif font styles. Today, serif fonts are often associated with traditional publishing and formal documents, while sans-serif fonts are seen as more modern and clean. The choice of using serif or sans-serif can greatly impact the perception of text, influencing readability and the overall aesthetic of printed and digital materials.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,025 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.