boilerplate etymology

Etymology

The word "boilerplate" has its origins in the early days of printing and publishing.

  • Boiler: A device used to heat water or other liquids.
  • Plate: A metal sheet used for printing.

Meaning and Origin

In printing, "boilerplate" refers to standardized text or illustrations that are used repeatedly in different publications. These elements were often cast from metal plates and stored for reuse, hence the name "boilerplate."

Original Use

Boilerplate text was initially used for common elements such as:

  • Official announcements and notices
  • Legal disclaimers
  • Biographical information about authors
  • Frequently asked questions

Modern Usage

Today, boilerplate is still used in various contexts, including:

  • Legal documents: Predefined clauses and provisions that are inserted into contracts and agreements.
  • Marketing materials: Standard text and images that are reused across different advertising campaigns.
  • Software development: Reusable code libraries and frameworks that provide common functionalities.
  • Website design: Pre-built templates and widgets that simplify website creation.
  • Journalism: Standardized opening paragraphs or background information that is used in multiple articles.

Benefits of Boilerplate

  • Efficiency: Saves time and effort by eliminating the need to create and proofread text repeatedly.
  • Consistency: Ensures that information is presented uniformly across different platforms.
  • Accuracy: Reduces the risk of errors by using pre-approved content.
  • Reliability: Provides a consistent and reliable source of information.

boilerplate relate terms

  • boiler

    Etymology The word boiler comes from the Old French word bouillir meaning to boil

  • boil

    Etymology Origin Old French boillir Latin bullire Indo European bhel to bubble

  • plate

    Etymology The word plate comes from the Old French word plate which is derived from

  • expression

    Etymology The word expression derives from the Latin word expressio which means to

  • contract

    Etymology The word contract comes from the Latin word contractus which means drawn

  • world

    Etymology Old English weoruld Proto Germanic weralz Proto Indo European wer to t

  • team

    Etymology The word team originates from the Middle English word teme which means a

  • craft

    Etymology Old English cræft from Proto Germanic kraptiz meaning strength powe

  • dilettante

    Etymology Dilettante originates from the Italian word dilettante which means lover

  • Islam

    Etymology The word Islam originates from the Arabic root word salām which means p

  • invest

    Etymology The word invest is derived from the Latin word investis which means to c

  • Eucharist

    Etymology The word Eucharist is derived from the Greek word εὐχαριστία e

  • enough

    Etymology Enough comes from the Middle English inowh which evolved from the Old Eng