cufic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareAcademic / Technical (Art History, Paleography, Islamic Studies)
Quick answer
What does “cufic” mean?
A style of angular Arabic script used in early Islamic manuscripts and inscriptions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of angular Arabic script used in early Islamic manuscripts and inscriptions.
Relating to or characteristic of the early angular form of Arabic script.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference; term is technical and used identically in UK/US academia.
Connotations
Carries connotations of antiquity, Islamic art history, and scholarly precision.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, appearing only in specialized texts.
Grammar
How to Use “cufic” in a Sentence
attributive adjective (e.g., Kufic script)noun modifier (e.g., inscription in Kufic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cufic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The museum acquired a fragment with Cufic lettering.
- The Cufic inscriptions on the mihrab are remarkably preserved.
American English
- The manuscript features early Cufic script.
- A Cufic-style border frames the architectural drawing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary usage. E.g., 'The study compared early Kufic with later cursive styles.'
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in paleography, art history, typography, and Islamic studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cufic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cufic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cufic”
- Misspelling as 'Kufic' (the more common variant) or 'Cuffick'. Confusing it with general 'Arabic script'. Using it as a general term for any old writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They refer to the same script. 'Kufic' is the more common modern spelling, while 'Cufic' is an older, less frequent transliteration variant.
Not for functional writing. It survives primarily in decorative, typographic, and religious artistic contexts, often to evoke tradition and antiquity.
No. It is specific to the Arabic alphabet, though its stylistic influence can be seen in Persian, Ottoman, and other Islamicate calligraphic traditions.
It is a highly technical term from the niche field of paleography. Most speakers will only encounter it in specialized academic or art historical discussions.
A style of angular Arabic script used in early Islamic manuscripts and inscriptions.
Cufic is usually academic / technical (art history, paleography, islamic studies) in register.
Cufic: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkjuːfɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkjuːfɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None (term too technical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CUFIC is CUriously angular For Islamic Calligraphy.'
Conceptual Metaphor
SCRIPT IS ARCHITECTURE (angular, monumental, foundational)
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Cufic/Kufic' primarily used?