boldface: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical (typography, publishing, computing), occasionally journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “boldface” mean?
A typeface with thick, heavy strokes, used for emphasis or headings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A typeface with thick, heavy strokes, used for emphasis or headings.
The state or quality of being printed in such a typeface; figuratively, conspicuousness or audacity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Bold' is more common in general speech for the concept.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American publishing/tech contexts, but the difference is minimal.
Grammar
How to Use “boldface” in a Sentence
[noun] in boldfaceset [noun] in boldfaceprint [noun] in boldfaceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boldface” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – the verb is 'to bold' or 'embolden'.
American English
- N/A – the verb is 'to bold' or 'embolden'.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The boldface headings guide the reader through the document.
- Ensure the boldface entries are consistent.
American English
- The style manual requires boldface titles for chapters.
- He used a boldface font for the warnings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in report formatting and presentation design to highlight key figures or headings.
Academic
Used in style guides (e.g., APA, MLA) for specifying formatting of titles, headings, or key terms.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; 'bold' is preferred ('Make the title bold').
Technical
Standard term in typography, word processing, CSS (font-weight: bold), and publishing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “boldface”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “boldface”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boldface”
- Using 'boldface' as a verb (verb is 'to bold' or 'to embolden').
- Confusing 'boldface' with 'italic' or 'underline'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'boldface' is primarily a noun and adjective. The action is 'to bold' (in computing) or 'to set in boldface'.
'Bold' is the general adjective and more common term. 'Boldface' is the specific technical noun for the typeface style itself, often used in publishing and formal instructions.
Yes, but it's rare and literary. It can describe something done with conspicuous audacity (e.g., 'the boldface of the lie').
UK: /ˈbəʊldfeɪs/ (BOHLD-face). US: /ˈboʊldfeɪs/ (BOHLD-face). The first syllable rhymes with 'cold'.
A typeface with thick, heavy strokes, used for emphasis or headings.
Boldface is usually formal, technical (typography, publishing, computing), occasionally journalistic. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'boldface'. Related: 'in bold relief'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a brave (bold) face standing out in a crowd. The 'face' is the typeface.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISIBILITY IS PROMINENCE / IMPORTANCE IS WEIGHT. Important text is given visual 'weight' (thickness) to make it stand out.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'boldface' LEAST likely to be used?