phototypesetting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Historical term)Technical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “phototypesetting” mean?
A now-obsolete method for composing printed text using photographic techniques, where characters are exposed onto light-sensitive paper or film.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A now-obsolete method for composing printed text using photographic techniques, where characters are exposed onto light-sensitive paper or film.
Historically refers to the entire process or industry of creating type for printing using photographic means, which revolutionized publishing before the advent of digital desktop publishing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term was standard in the printing industry in both regions.
Connotations
Carries the same historical/technical connotations. May be more familiar to older generations in publishing.
Frequency
Equally low and archaic in both varieties. Has been superseded by terms like 'digital typesetting' or 'desktop publishing'.
Grammar
How to Use “phototypesetting” in a Sentence
[Noun] revolutionized phototypesetting.The shift from [X] to phototypesetting.to produce [text] by phototypesettingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “phototypesetting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magazine was phototypeset in London before printing.
- We need to phototypeset this manuscript by Friday.
American English
- The brochure was phototypeset in Chicago.
- They decided to phototypeset the entire catalogue.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; the term is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Not standard; the term is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- We sourced new phototypesetting paper.
- The firm offered phototypesetting services.
American English
- He worked in a phototypesetting shop.
- The phototypesetting unit was state-of-the-art.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used historically in printing and publishing businesses to describe a key technological phase.
Academic
Appears in historical studies of technology, media, and graphic design.
Everyday
Virtually unused in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in historical discussions of typography and printing technology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “phototypesetting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “phototypesetting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “phototypesetting”
- Misspelling as 'phototype setting' (should be one word or hyphenated: photo-typesetting).
- Confusing it with 'photocopying' or 'photography'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical process. It was almost entirely replaced by digital desktop publishing from the mid-1980s onwards.
Hot metal typesetting uses molten metal to cast physical type, while phototypesetting uses light to project characters onto photosensitive paper or film.
Yes, though rare today. The verb form 'to phototypeset' (past tense: phototypeset) was used to describe the action of using a phototypesetting machine.
It represents a key technological stage in the history of communication and publishing, bridging the gap between industrial printing and the digital age.
A now-obsolete method for composing printed text using photographic techniques, where characters are exposed onto light-sensitive paper or film.
Phototypesetting is usually technical / historical in register.
Phototypesetting: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfəʊtəʊˈtaɪpˌsetɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfoʊtoʊˈtaɪpˌsɛtɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PHOTO of TYPE being SET. A photograph of letters being arranged for printing.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (that can be assembled and exposed to light).
Practice
Quiz
Phototypesetting was primarily superseded by which technology?