Tooltip: meaning, definitions and examples

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tooltip

 

[ หˆtuหltษชp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

website design

A small rectangular pop-up window containing text that appears when a user hovers over an element on a webpage.

Synonyms

hover box, information box, pop-up text.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tooltip

This term is commonly used in software development and user interface design. It refers to a small dialog box that appears when a user hovers over an element with their mouse.

  • When you place your cursor over the button, a tooltip will appear giving more information about its function.
  • Ensure that all icons on the dashboard have tooltips for better user experience.
information box

Use this term when you want to convey that the box contains informative content. It's a bit more general and can be used in various contexts beyond just hovering effects.

  • Clicking on the icon will open an information box with details about the promotion.
  • The information box provides guidelines on how to fill out the form.
hover box

Hover box is a more informal term and might be used in casual conversation about web design or user experience. It is less technical than 'tooltip' and simply describes the box that appears when hovering over an element.

  • I think we should add a hover box to the images so people can see more details without clicking.
  • The hover box was not displaying correctly on mobile devices.
pop-up text

This phrase is more general and can be used to describe any text that appears suddenly on the screen, not necessarily associated with hovering. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation if it disrupts the user experience.

  • An annoying pop-up text appeared every time I visited the website.
  • We added pop-up text to warn users about the system maintenance.

Examples of usage

  • Hover over the icon to see the tooltip.
  • The tooltip provides additional information about the product.
  • Tooltips are commonly used in web applications.
  • Users find tooltips helpful for understanding website features.
  • Designers use tooltips to enhance user experience.
Context #2 | Noun

software development

A small piece of contextual information that appears when hovering over an interface element, providing guidance or explanation.

Synonyms

contextual help, hint, information bubble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tooltip

Used primarily in graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to provide brief, informative text when hovering over an item or control. It is common in software applications and websites to help users understand the function of buttons, icons, or other elements.

  • When you hover over the save icon, a tooltip appears showing 'Save your work'.
  • The tooltip provides additional details about what this setting does.
hint

Generally brief and often used to give a clue or tip for completing a task or solving a problem. It is less formal and typically used in educational or game contexts.

  • Need help solving the puzzle? Hereโ€™s a hint: start from the corners.
  • The hint for the next level suggests looking for hidden objects.
information bubble

Similar to a tooltip, but usually appears in the form of a speech bubble or pop-up. It can contain more detailed information and often involves a connection to interactive elements.

  • Click on the question mark icon to open an information bubble with detailed instructions.
  • An information bubble appeared to explain the scoring system.
contextual help

This form of assistance is more comprehensive and is provided within the context of the user's current actions or screen. Often found in software applications, it helps users understand and use features more effectively.

  • If you're not sure what the 'Export' function does, click the contextual help icon for more details.
  • The contextual help explains how to complete the form step-by-step.

Examples of usage

  • The tooltip helped users understand the function of the button.
  • Developers often add tooltips to improve user interface clarity.
  • Toolips are beneficial for user onboarding processes.
  • Some applications use tooltips to reduce user confusion.
  • Hovering over the link reveals a tooltip with a brief description.

Translations

Translations of the word "tooltip" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น dica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคเคพเคต

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Tooltip

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ petunjuk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดะบะฐะทะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ podpowiedลบ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ„ใƒผใƒซใƒใƒƒใƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท info-bulle

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ informaciรณn sobre herramientas

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ipucu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋„๊ตฌ ์„ค๋ช…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู„ู…ูŠุญ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nรกpovฤ›da

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tip

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ็คบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ namig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tรณl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตาฃะตั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒฉแƒ”แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mษ™slษ™hษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ informaciรณn sobre herramientas

Etymology

The term 'tooltip' originated in the early 1990s in the context of user interface design for graphical user interfaces. It was first used in the context of the Xerox Star system and later popularized by Microsoft Windows. The concept of tooltips was introduced to provide users with additional information when interacting with elements on a screen, improving user experience and usability. Today, tooltips are commonly used in web design, software development, and various digital interfaces to enhance user guidance and clarity.

See also: tool, toolbar, toolbox, toolkit, tools, toolset.