didot point system: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialised Technical
Quick answer
What does “didot point system” mean?
A European typographic unit of measurement, primarily used in France, Germany, and other parts of continental Europe, historically defined as 1/72 of a French royal inch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A European typographic unit of measurement, primarily used in France, Germany, and other parts of continental Europe, historically defined as 1/72 of a French royal inch.
A historical system for measuring type size, devised by French type founder François-Ambroise Didot in the late 18th century, which became a standard in continental Europe. It contrasts with the Anglo-American point system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is known primarily in specialist typographic and publishing contexts. In American English, it is equally specialised but may be more frequently contrasted with the 'American point system' (1/72.27 of an inch) in technical discussions.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation; both regions view it as a precise, historical, continental European standard.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to highly technical texts on typography or printing history.
Grammar
How to Use “didot point system” in a Sentence
The [noun] was set in [number] Didot points.The [document/publication] uses the Didot point system.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “didot point system” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The type was originally didot-pointed, but we've converted it for modern presses.
American English
- The manuscript specifications called for the text to be didot-pointed.
adverb
British English
- The body text was measured didot-pointly, according to the original design.
American English
- The font size was specified didot-pointly in the contract.
adjective
British English
- The didot-point measurement was standard for all French printing in the 19th century.
American English
- We found a didot-point scale in the old print shop's archives.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used outside of specialist publishing or type foundry businesses.
Academic
Used in historical studies of typography, printing, and graphic design.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context, used in typography, font design, and printing specifications when discussing historical or European standards.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “didot point system”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “didot point system”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “didot point system”
- Pronouncing 'Didot' as /daɪˈdɒt/ (it is /ˈdiːdoʊ/).
- Confusing it with the modern PostScript or desktop publishing point (1/72 inch).
- Using it as a general term for any measurement system.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is largely historical. Modern digital typography primarily uses the PostScript point (1/72 inch), though the Didot point is sometimes referenced in academic or specialist contexts, particularly in Europe.
A Didot point (approx. 0.3759 mm) is slightly larger than an American printer's point (approx. 0.3514 mm). One Didot point equals about 1.07 American points.
It was developed by the French typefounder François-Ambroise Didot in c. 1783, refining earlier systems to create a standard based on the French royal inch.
Generally, no. Modern design software uses PostScript points (or pixels). You would need to manually convert Didot point measurements (multiply by ~1.07) to use them.
A European typographic unit of measurement, primarily used in France, Germany, and other parts of continental Europe, historically defined as 1/72 of a French royal inch.
Didot point system is usually specialised technical in register.
Didot point system: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdiːdəʊ ˈpɔɪnt ˈsɪstəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdiːdoʊ ˈpɔɪnt ˈsɪstəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIDOT: Determined In Designing Old Type. A system for measuring Old World type.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASUREMENT IS A RULE (a fixed standard against which things are compared).
Practice
Quiz
The Didot point system is primarily associated with which field?