old style font
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A category of typeface design originating from the 18th century, characterized by its relatively low contrast between thick and thin strokes, and by its bracketed serifs where the serifs on ascending letters (like 'b', 'd', 'h') are often slanted.
Usage
This term is used specifically in typography, graphic design, and printing to classify and describe a particular historical style of letterforms. * The body text of the classic novel was set in an old style font. * For a traditional and readable look, designers often choose an old style font like Garamond or Caslon. * The key difference between an old style font and a modern serif font is the angle of the stress in the letterforms.
Advanced Usage
- Digital Typography: In modern digital type libraries, 'Old Style' is a standard classification filter, grouping typefaces like Bembo, Janson, and Palatino under this historical category.
- Distinction from Other Serifs: The term is used to contrast with other serif classifications such as 'Transitional' (e.g., Times New Roman) and 'Modern' or 'Didone' (e.g., Bodoni), which have higher stroke contrast and vertical, unbracketed serifs.
Variants and Related Words
- Old Style (noun, often used adjectivally): A shorter, common form of the term.
- The designer specified an Old Style typeface for the project.
- Humanist Serif: A related, sometimes overlapping classification emphasizing calligraphic influences, often including Old Style fonts.
- Garalde: Another term used in some classification systems (combining the names Garamond and Aldus) to describe this category.
Synonyms
- Humanist Serif (in some type classification systems)
- Garalde (a more technical synonym)
Antonyms
- Modern Serif
- Didone
- Sans-serif Font
- Geometric Sans
Noun
- a typeface (based on an 18th century design) distinguished by irregularity and slanted ascender serifs and little contrast between light and heavy strokes