bold face: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral in typography; informal/slang in figurative use.
Quick answer
What does “bold face” mean?
A typeface with thick, heavy strokes, used for emphasis or headings in printed or digital text.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A typeface with thick, heavy strokes, used for emphasis or headings in printed or digital text.
The visual quality of being prominent, assertive, or conspicuous; figuratively, to behave with audacity or impudence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in typographical meaning. The compound noun 'boldface' is more common as a single word in modern computing contexts in both regions. The figurative use is rare in contemporary AmE.
Connotations
In typography, neutral and technical. The figurative use carries a strong negative connotation of shamelessness.
Frequency
The typographical term is common in publishing/design. The figurative phrase 'bold face' (as in audacity) is very low frequency and archaic.
Grammar
How to Use “bold face” in a Sentence
[noun] in bold facebold face [noun]the bold face to [infinitive verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bold face” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – 'to bold' or 'embolden' is used.
American English
- N/A – 'to bold' is the standard verb form in computing.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The headings were set in bold-face type for better visibility.
- He was shocked by her bold-faced impudence.
American English
- Use a boldface font for the chapter titles.
- It was a boldface attempt to circumvent the rules.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in report and presentation design for highlighting key metrics or section titles.
Academic
Used in formatting journal articles, textbooks, and dissertations for headings and defined terms.
Everyday
Common in word processing ('make it bold'), though 'bold' alone is more frequent.
Technical
Standard term in graphic design, typography, CSS (font-weight: bold), and publishing software.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bold face”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bold face”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bold face”
- Using 'boldface' as a verb (correct: 'to bold' or 'to embolden').
- Confusing 'bold face' with 'boldfaced' (as in 'boldfaced lie').
- Omitting the hyphen in attributive use (e.g., 'bold-face type' is traditional).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are acceptable, but 'boldface' as a single word is increasingly standard, especially in computing and design. 'Bold face' is the traditional typographical term.
In modern usage, 'bold' is the prevalent adjective and informal noun. 'Bold face' is the more formal, full noun phrase used in traditional typography and precise technical contexts.
Yes, but it's archaic or literary. The phrase 'have the bold face to...' means to have the audacity or nerve to do something, implying shamelessness.
The CSS property is 'font-weight'. To apply bold face, you set it to 'bold' or a numerical value like '700' (e.g., font-weight: bold;).
A typeface with thick, heavy strokes, used for emphasis or headings in printed or digital text.
Bold face is usually formal to neutral in typography; informal/slang in figurative use. in register.
Bold face: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbəʊld ˈfeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌboʊld ˈfeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have the bold face to do something (archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a face (typeface) with bold, thick eyebrows and lines – it's a **bold face** demanding attention on the page.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISUAL PROMINENCE IS PHYSICAL STRENGTH / AUDACITY IS A BRASS (METAL) FACE.
Practice
Quiz
In contemporary digital contexts, which term is most commonly used as a verb related to 'bold face'?