italic
B2Formal, Technical (typography, design); Academic (history, linguistics).
Definition
Meaning
A typeface with letters sloping to the right, used for emphasis, titles, or foreign words.
Pertaining to ancient Italy or its peoples (especially before Roman dominance); having the characteristics of the sloping typeface.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In typography, it's a noun (the font style) and an adjective (describing the font). In historical contexts, it's an adjective relating to ancient Italy. The verb form 'italicize' (US) / 'italicise' (UK) is more common for the action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The derived verb is 'italicise' (UK) vs. 'italicize' (US). The noun/adjective usage is identical.
Connotations
None. Purely technical/historical.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects within professional/technical contexts; rare in casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + in + italic (e.g., 'printed in italic')italic + [noun] (e.g., 'italic type')set/use + [noun] + in italicVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in branding or document design guidelines.
Academic
Common in citation styles (e.g., italicise book titles) and linguistic/historical texts.
Everyday
Limited to basic instructions for formatting text.
Technical
Core term in typography, publishing, and word processing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please italicise the foreign phrase.
- The software allows you to easily italicise selected text.
American English
- Please italicize the book title.
- You should italicize the scientific name.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The quote was in italic script.
- She preferred the italic version of the typeface.
American English
- Use an italic font for emphasis.
- The map showed the ancient Italic tribes.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The word is in italic.
- Look at the italic letters.
- For homework, write the new vocabulary in italic.
- The title should be in bold, not italic.
- According to the style guide, you must italicise the names of ships.
- Oscan was an ancient Italic language related to Latin.
- The subtle use of italic type in the edition served to distinguish editorial commentary from the primary text.
- The philologist's research focused on the phonology of the Italic branch of Indo-European.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ITALIC' letters lean like the Leaning Tower of Pisa in ITALY.
Conceptual Metaphor
SLANT IS EMPHASIS / DISTINCTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'итальянский' (Italian). In Russian, the typographic term is 'курсив'.
- The historical term 'Italic' refers to ancient peoples, not modern Italians.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'italics' as an adjective (e.g., 'italics font' – should be 'italic font').
- Pronouncing it /aɪˈtælɪk/ in all contexts (the /ɪ/ start is standard).
Practice
Quiz
In a typographic context, which of the following is an antonym of 'italic'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily an adjective ('italic type'), but 'italics' is the common plural noun form ('printed in italics').
True 'italic' fonts are a distinct, often cursive, design. 'Oblique' fonts are simply slanted versions of the regular roman font.
Common uses include emphasis, titles of standalone works (books, films), foreign words, and scientific names. Always follow a specific style guide (e.g., APA, MLA).
From Latin 'Italicus', meaning 'of Italy'. The typeface was first used by Aldus Manutius in 1501 to mimic compact, elegant Italian handwriting.
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