serif etymology

Etymology

The word "serif" originates from the Dutch word "scherf," meaning "edge" or "notch." This word was borrowed into English in the 17th century to describe a small, decorative stroke added to the ends of the strokes in a letterform.

Meaning

A serif is a small, decorative stroke that is added to the ends of the strokes in a letterform. Serifs can be classified into several different types based on their shape and position. The most common types of serifs are:

  • Bracket serif: A serif that is shaped like a bracket.
  • Cove serif: A serif that is shaped like a cove.
  • Teardrop serif: A serif that is shaped like a teardrop.
  • Triangular serif: A serif that is shaped like a triangle.

Origin

Serifs were originally used in stone inscriptions to make the letters easier to read. The small, decorative strokes helped to define the edges of the letters and made them more visible against the stone background. Serifs were also used in early printed books to make the text easier to read. The use of serifs declined in the 20th century, but they have recently seen a revival in popularity.

Usage

Serifs are used in a wide variety of settings, including:

  • Typefaces: Serifs are often used in typefaces that are designed to be easy to read.
  • Logos: Serifs can be used in logos to create a sense of elegance and sophistication.
  • Signs: Serifs can be used in signs to make the text more visible and easier to read.

Serifs can be a valuable addition to any design. They can help to improve readability, add a sense of elegance, and create a more visually appealing design.

serif relate terms

  • sans serif

    Etymology The term sans serif originates from the French phrase sans serif meaning

  • sans

    Etymology French sans Meaning without Origin from Latin sine without except

  • ceriph

    Etymology The word ceriph comes from the Greek word κῆρος kēros meaning wa

  • serif

    Etymology The word serif originates from the Dutch word scherf meaning edge or no

  • sans serif

    Etymology The term sans serif originates from the French phrase sans serif meaning

  • ascribe

    Etymology is the study of the origin of words and their meanings It is derived from the G

  • ascription

    Etymology Latin ascribĕre to write on or down to attribute to assign Meaning

  • circumscribe

    Etymology The word circumscribe comes from the Latin circumscribere meaning to draw

  • conscript

    Etymology and Meaning of Conscript Etymology Latin conscribere con together

  • conscription

    Etymology Conscription comes from the Latin term conscriptio which means action of wr

  • describe

    Etymology Meaning The study of the origin and history of words Origin Greek from ety

  • description

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the history of words their origins and how their f

  • festschrift

    Etymology The word festschrift is derived from the German language and consists of two

  • inscribe

    Etymology Latin inscribĕre Prefixes in meaning in or into scribĕre m

  • inscription

    Etymology The word inscription comes from the Latin word inscriptio which is derived

  • manuscript

    Etymology The word manuscript derives from the Latin phrase manu scriptus which mea

  • postscript

    Etymology From Middle English postscript from Latin post scriptum literally written

  • prescribe

    Etymology Latin praescribere Pre before Scribere to write Meaning To write o

  • prescription

    Etymology The word prescription has its origins in the Latin word praescriptio which

  • proscribe

    Etymology The word proscribe comes from the Latin phrase pro scribere meaning to writ

  • sans serif

    Etymology The term sans serif originates from the French phrase sans serif meaning

  • scribble

    Etymology The word scribble comes from the Middle English word scribblen which is th

  • scribe

    Etymology The word scribe comes from the Latin word scriba which in turn derives fr

  • script

    Etymology The word script is derived from the Latin word scriptum which means writt

  • scriptorium

    Etymology The word scriptorium comes from the Latin word scriptōrium which means w

  • scripture

    Etymology The word scripture comes from the Latin word scriptura which means writin

  • scrivener

    Etymology Old French escrevain meaning writer Latin scriba meaning writer scrib

  • serif

    Etymology The word serif originates from the Dutch word scherf meaning edge or no

  • shrift

    Etymology The word shrift derives from the Old English word scrift which means con

  • shrive

    Etymology The word shrive comes from an Old English word scrīfan which means to c

  • subscribe

    Etymology Latin subscribere Prefix sub meaning under or beneath Verb scribe

  • superscribe

    Etymology Super Latin above or over Scribere Latin to write Meaning To w

  • superscript

    Etymology Super Latin above over Script Latin written letter Meaning

  • transcribe

    Etymology Derived from Latin transcribere meaning to copy over Meaning To make

  • scarification

    Etymology Anglo French escarification 14th century Medieval Latin scarificatio Lati

  • scarify

    Etymology The verb scarify derives ultimately from Greek σκᾰ́ριφος skariphos

  • line

    Etymology The word line originates from the Old French word ligne which in turn deri

  • shoe

    Etymology The word shoe comes from the Old English word scōh meaning footwear T

  • cringe

    Etymology of Cringe Cringe originates from the Middle English term cringen which f

  • game

    Etymology Origin of the Word The word game is derived from the Old English word game

  • demure

    Etymology The word demure comes from the Old French word de meurs meaning of good

  • conception

    Etymology The word conception derives from the Latin conceptio which means taking t

  • retreat

    Etymology The word retreat is derived from the Old French retraite which in turn co

  • blog

    Etymology The word blog is a portmanteau of web log The term web log was first coi

  • heresy

    Etymology The word heresy is derived from the Old French hérésie which in turn co

  • help

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words and phrases It inves