longhand
/'lɔɳhænd/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- Ordinary handwriting: A style of writing where words are formed by hand using complete letters, typically in a cursive (joined-up) manner, as opposed to shorthand or typing.
- The act of writing by hand: The process of writing something out in full using this style.
Adjective:
- Written by hand in full: Describes text that is produced using ordinary handwriting, not typed or written in shorthand.
Usage
- As a Noun: Used to refer to the physical script or the method of writing itself.
- The diary was kept in her elegant longhand.
- Before computers, most documents were drafted in longhand.
- As an Adjective: Used before a noun to describe something written this way.
- She submitted a longhand manuscript.
- A longhand note was attached to the file.
Advanced Usage
- "in longhand": A common prepositional phrase describing the method used to write something.
- The author still writes all his first drafts in longhand.
- Contrast with "shorthand": While shorthand uses symbols for speed, longhand writes words out in full for clarity and formality.
- The secretary took minutes in shorthand, then transcribed them into longhand for the official record.
Variants and Related Words
- Handwriting (n): A more general term for writing done by hand, which can include both cursive and print styles.
- Cursive (n/adj): A specific style of longhand where letters within a word are joined.
- Manuscript (n): A document written by hand, often used historically or for drafts.
Synonyms
- Script (n): Handwritten characters or style of writing.
- Cursive writing (n): Handwriting with joined letters.
- Hand (n, formal/archaic): A person's style of handwriting (e.g., "written in a neat hand").
Antonyms
- Shorthand (n): A system for rapid writing using symbols or abbreviations.
- Type (n/v): Text produced by a machine like a typewriter or computer.
- Print (n/v): Writing with separated, unjoined letters, or text produced by a printing press.
Related Phrases
- To take/write something down in longhand: To record information using full handwriting.
- Please write your statement down in longhand and sign it.
- Longhand form: The fully written-out version.
- The contract must be in its longhand form, not an abbreviation.
Adjective
- having words written out in full by hand
- longhand writing
Noun
- rapid handwriting in which letters are set down in full and are cursively connected within words without lifting the writing implement from the paper