Word
typeface
Phoneticstype·face, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtaɪpˌfeɪs/
UK/tˈaɪpfeɪs/
Definition
n. a specific design for a set of letters and symbols. You use this word when you want to talk about the style of a font, like Times New Roman or Arial.
n. a particular design for a set of type, including all the letters and punctuation marks. It refers to the visual style of a font rather than the font itself.
Examples
“The designer chose a modern typeface for the magazine cover.”
“While the font is the software used to display the text, the typeface refers to the actual design of the characters.”
“The transition from serif to sans-serif typefaces in digital interfaces is often driven by the need for legibility at smaller sizes on high-resolution screens.”
Examples
simple
“The designer chose a modern typeface for the magazine cover.”
contextual
“While the font is the software used to display the text, the typeface refers to the actual design of the characters.”
complex
“The transition from serif to sans-serif typefaces in digital interfaces is often driven by the need for legibility at smaller sizes on high-resolution screens.”
Real-World Examples
“Batter’s parents – his father teaches history, his mother designs typefaces – are eager for him to pursue a sensible, by which they mean lucrative, career; but Batter cares only for poetry.” “Some posters were designed by colleagues with desktop publishing software, cleanly formatted in neat typefaces.” Etymology
From type + face.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/typeface