Neutral (used across all registers)
Definition
Meaning
To produce text or images on paper or another surface using a machine like a printer or a press.
To produce a physical copy (book, newspaper, photo); to write in block letters; to make a mark or impression; in computing, to output data; to publish; to record (as in film/music).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans the physical (ink on paper) and the digital (output to screen or file). It implies reproducibility and a degree of permanence compared to transient displays.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In publishing, 'in print' (available from publisher) is universal. The verb 'to print out' (a document) is slightly more common in AmE; BrE often uses just 'print'.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Print something (transitive)Print on somethingPrint something outPrint as somethingSomething prints well/badly (middle voice)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The fine print/small print”
- “Out of print”
- “In print”
- “Print the legend”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to producing reports, invoices, and marketing materials. 'We need to print 500 brochures by Friday.'
Academic
Refers to published, peer-reviewed sources. 'You must cite at least five print sources.'
Everyday
Refers to home/office printing and writing clearly. 'Can you print your name here, please?'
Technical
In computing, a command to send data to an output device. In photography, the final physical photograph.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you print the boarding passes?
- The photo printed with a strange green tint.
- The newspaper prints a daily correction.
American English
- Just print out the form and sign it.
- This brochure prints on recycled paper.
- They printed the story on the front page.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; usually part of phrasal verbs like 'print out').
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; usually part of phrasal verbs like 'print out').
adjective
British English
- She prefers the print edition of the newspaper.
- Print journalism faces many challenges.
- It was a print dress with a floral pattern.
American English
- Check the print version for the chart details.
- He works in print media, not television.
- The instructions are in the print manual.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please print your name at the top of the page.
- My dad can print a photo from his phone.
- This book is out of print.
- The magazine decided to print a retraction.
- I need to print off the tickets before we leave.
- The artist made a limited edition print of her painting.
- The fabric had a subtle geometric print.
- Always read the small print before signing a contract.
- The news agency printed the story without verifying the facts.
- The novel's first print run sold out in a week.
- His face was printed indelibly in her memory.
- The new inkjet technology allows for photorealistic prints.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PRINce using a giant sTamp to PRINT his royal seal on official documents. PRIN-T.
Conceptual Metaphor
MAKING A MARK IS CREATING PERMANENCE (e.g., 'His words were printed on my memory.'); PUBLISHING IS PRODUCING (e.g., 'The story was printed in all the papers.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'принт' (a print/pattern on fabric). 'Print a document' is 'распечатать документ' (not 'напечатать' which is more for typing/publishing).
- In Russian, 'печатать' covers both 'to type' and 'to print'. In English, 'print' is specifically for producing a physical/digital copy, not the act of typing.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'print' to mean 'type' (e.g., 'I printed my password' instead of 'I typed my password').
- Confusing 'print' (verb) with 'printer' (noun).
- Using 'print' without an object incorrectly (e.g., 'My computer doesn't print' is acceptable, but 'I need to print' is incomplete without specifying what).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'print' used as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Print' is a regular verb. Its past simple and past participle forms are both 'printed'.
'Print' focuses on the physical/technical act of reproduction on paper. 'Publish' is broader, involving the entire process of preparing, producing, and making a work (book, article) available to the public, which usually includes printing.
Yes, in computing, 'to print' often means to send data to a printer, but it can also mean to output text or data to a file or the screen in a formatted way (e.g., 'print to PDF', 'the program prints an error message').
It means a book is no longer being published and is not available for purchase new from the publisher. It may still be found in libraries or sold second-hand.
Collections
Part of a collection
Technology Basics
A2 · 48 words · Everyday technology and digital devices.
Media Analysis
B2 · 49 words · Critically analyzing media and information.