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Typography Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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typography

[tสŒษชหˆpษ’ษกrษ™fi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

design

Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. It involves selecting typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, line-spacing, and letter-spacing, and adjusting the space between pairs of letters.

Synonyms

font selection, text design, typesetting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
typography

Use in discussions about the overall art and technique of arranging type, including the style, arrangement, and appearance of the letters and text.

  • Good typography can significantly improve the readability of a document.
  • She's studying typography to enhance her graphic design skills.
typesetting

Use when referring to the process of setting and arranging text for printing or digital display, more focused on the technical aspect rather than the aesthetic.

  • Typesetting the book took longer than expected because of the complex formatting.
  • Modern typesetting software has made the process much easier.
text design

Use when talking about the broader practice of designing text, which may include font choice, layout, color schemes, and other visual elements.

  • Text design plays a vital role in how your message is perceived by your audience.
  • Sheโ€™s an expert in text design, blending fonts and colors harmoniously.
font selection

Use when specifically referring to the process of choosing fonts for a particular project or design.

  • Font selection is crucial for the look and feel of a website.
  • He spent hours on font selection to ensure the presentation was visually appealing.

Examples of usage

  • Good typography can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of a design.
  • Typography plays a crucial role in conveying the message effectively.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Greek words 'typos' (meaning 'impression') and 'grapho' (meaning 'to write').
  • It evolved with the invention of movable type printing in the 15th century, allowing for mass production of printed texts.
  • Early typographers included Johannes Gutenberg, who created the first major book printed using movable type.

Design Principles

  • Typography encompasses various elements such as font style, size, spacing, and alignment to create visual harmony.
  • The choice of typeface can change the tone of a message, making it feel formal, playful, or serious.
  • Kerning (the space between letters) and leading (the space between lines) are crucial for readability.

Pop Culture

  • The iconic Coca-Cola logo is a famous example of distinctive typography that enhances brand recognition.
  • In the movie 'The Social Network,' typography was a key element in creating the film's stylish aesthetic.
  • Recent fashion trends have seen typography being used creatively on everything from clothing to home dรฉcor.

Digital Age Impact

  • With the rise of the internet, typography has become a critical part of web design, impacting user experience.
  • Responsive typography adjusts itself based on the deviceโ€™s size, ensuring readability on smartphones and tablets.
  • There are now countless free and paid font choices available online, revolutionizing personal and professional design.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that certain typefaces can affect people's emotions and perceptions of content.
  • Sans serif fonts (like Arial) are often associated with modernity and cleanliness, while serif fonts (like Times New Roman) add a touch of tradition.
  • The shape of letters can influence how quickly and easily people read and understand text.

Origin of 'typography'

The term 'typography' originated from the Greek words 'typos' meaning 'form' and 'grapho' meaning 'to write'. Typography has evolved over centuries, from hand-written manuscripts to modern digital fonts. The development of printing press in the 15th century revolutionized typography and made mass production of printed materials possible.

See also: prototype, subtype, type, typeface, types, typesetting, typewriter, typical, typify, typing, typist.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,672, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.