holograph: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Academic, Legal
Quick answer
What does “holograph” mean?
A document written entirely in the handwriting of its author.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A document written entirely in the handwriting of its author.
A three-dimensional image created by holography; a manuscript or legal document (e.g., a will) in the author's own hand.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In legal contexts, both use 'holographic will'. The term is generally rare in everyday speech. No major usage differences.
Connotations
Suggests authenticity, originality, and personal effort in legal/formal contexts. In technical contexts, linked to advanced imaging.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties; slightly more common in legal and academic technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “holograph” in a Sentence
The [noun] is a holograph.He [verb, past] a holographic will.The [adjective] holograph was authenticated.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holograph” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The testator chose to holograph his final will and testament.
- She holographed the letter to prove its authenticity.
American English
- The law allows you to holograph a will in some states.
- He holographed the entire manuscript.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
American English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- The holograph letter was submitted as evidence.
- They discovered a holograph manuscript by the Victorian poet.
American English
- The court accepted the holographic will as valid.
- Her holograph signature was required on the deed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in legal documentation regarding contracts or wills.
Academic
Used in history, literature (study of manuscripts), and physics/engineering (related to holography).
Everyday
Virtually unused. Commonly mistaken for 'hologram'.
Technical
Precise term in optics for the photographic plate used to produce a hologram; also in law for specific documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holograph”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holograph”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holograph”
- Using 'holograph' to mean a 3D image (correct: 'hologram').
- Misspelling as 'holograpgh' or 'hollograph'.
- Assuming it is a common, everyday word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'hologram' is a three-dimensional image made with laser light. A 'holograph' is a document written in the author's own handwriting, though the terms are often confused.
Yes, though it's rare. It means to write something entirely by hand, especially a document like a will.
In many US states and other jurisdictions, a holographic will (handwritten, dated, and signed by the testator) is legally valid, even without witnesses, though laws vary.
It is most common in 1) Legal contexts (referring to wills), 2) Historical/Literary scholarship (referring to original manuscripts), and 3) Technical optics (as the plate/recording used to create a hologram).
A document written entirely in the handwriting of its author.
Holograph is usually formal, technical, academic, legal in register.
Holograph: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒl.ə.ɡrɑːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑː.lə.ɡræf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HOLO' (whole, as in wholly handwritten) + 'GRAPH' (writing). A holograph is wholly written by the graph (hand) of its author.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HAND IS AUTHENTICITY (The physical handwriting is a metaphor for personal authenticity and legal validity).
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY meaning of 'holograph'?