WordGarden.ioitalic
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪtˈælɪk/
US
- /aɪˈtælɪk/
Meanings
Adjective
set in a sloping type style for emphasis or distinction
relating to ancient Italy or the Italic languages
Noun
an italic typeface, letter, or style of print
Verb
to print, write, or format text in italics
Beyond the definition
You've probably seen this style before: letters that lean to one side instead of standing straight up. It began in Renaissance Italy, where writers used a quicker, smoother style of handwriting. That is where the name comes from.
Today, we use it for a few common reasons: to add emphasis to a word or phrase, to show the titles of books, movies, and other major works (Pride and Prejudice, The Shawshank Redemption), and to write scientific names such as Homo sapiens. So when you see slanted letters, you're seeing a style that is both useful and full of history.
The word "italic" refers to a style of typeface characterized by sloping or slanted letterforms. It is instantly recognizable and stands in contrast to the upright, standard "Roman" type we typically read. Its origins, however, are rooted in necessity.
In the 15th century, Italian Renaissance scholars and scribes sought a way to write more quickly and efficiently than formal book hands allowed. This led to the development of the italic script—a cursive style that was easier and faster to produce. Early italic typefaces were designed to mimic this informal handwriting; because the style originated in Italy, the rest of Europe began calling it "italic."
Today, italics serve several vital functions in writing and typography:
- Emphasis: To highlight specific words or phrases within a sentence (This is important!).
- Titles: To denote titles of books, films, plays, and other major works (To Kill a Mockingbird, Bohemian Rhapsody).
- Foreign Words & Phrases: To indicate that a term comes from another language (Je ne sais quoi).
- Scientific Nomenclature: In biology, italics are used for the formal names of species (Canis lupus).
- Internal Monologue: In fiction, italics often represent a character's inner thoughts or dreams.
While often confused with "oblique" type (which is simply a slanted version of the standard font), true italic fonts have distinct, unique letterforms designed specifically with a calligraphic flair. Whether you're reading a novel or studying biology, italics are more than just a flourish; they are a historical artifact and a powerful tool in modern communication!
Examples
- 1
Formatting instruction
The instructions say to write the title in italic, not in bold.
- 2
Toolbar action
Click the italic button to change the selected words.
- 3
Foreign phrase
The editor put the foreign phrase in italic.
- 4
Style guide
In this style guide, book titles are written in italic.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emphasis
Use italic only for emphasis, or the page will look too busy.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- italicnounadjective
Forms
- italicspluralnounadjective