rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryitalicSlanted type
adjective / noun

italic

ih-TAL-ik/ɪˈtælɪk/

A slanted type style used for emphasis or distinction.

The italic letters slant right beneath the upright version of the same sequence.

A small typography specimen shows the same short letter sequence twice: upright serif letters above and unmistakably right-slanting italic serif letters below.
Etymology
italicLatinItalian, of Italy

The ancestor means “Italian,” rather than “slanted.” The printing style received this name because the Venetian printer Aldus Manutius introduced it in an edition of Virgil dedicated to Italy.

In context

ArrowType6:52
you would never for instance buy just an italic font uh not in support of an upright font or almost never
Type design ~secrets~ for the efficient creation of italic fonts - tips, tricks, and scripts

More examples

  • Book titles appear in italics in the bibliography.
  • The italic words in this glossary are examples.
  • She switches from italic to regular type after the title.

Forms

italic · italics

italicize verb — To set text in italic type.

italicization noun — The act of setting text in italics.

Similar words

oblique
Usually slanted versions of upright letters, rather than specially designed letterforms.
bold
Uses heavier strokes for emphasis instead of slanted letters.