Italics Meaning in English

word

US

aɪˈtæɫɪks

eye-TAL-iks

UK

ɪtˈælɪks

ih-TAL-iks

Definition

Italics are letters or words slanted to the right, used in writing or printing to emphasize text, show foreign words, or as titles.

Usage & Nuances

'Italics' is a plural noun, often used with 'in': 'in italics'. Use italics in writing for emphasis, book titles, or foreign words. Not used in handwriting, only typed or printed text. Sometimes confused with 'bold' (thicker) or 'underline' (lined below).

• Spanish: cursiva
• Portuguese (BR): itálico
• Portuguese (PT): itálico
• Chinese (Simplified): 斜体
• Chinese (Traditional): 斜體
• Hindi: इटैलिक्स
• Arabic: مائل
• Bengali: ইটালিক - তির্যক অক্ষর
• Russian: курсив
• Japanese: イタリック体
• Vietnamese: chữ nghiêng
• Korean: 이탤릭체
• Turkish: italik
• Urdu: ترچھا خط
• Indonesian: huruf miring

Example Sentences

Please write the book titles in italics.

basic

Words in italics are important.

basic

This sentence is in italics.

basic

I always put movie names in italics when I write reviews.

natural

Did you notice those instructions were in italics for emphasis?

natural

Some people use italics for foreign phrases in English writing.

natural