round hand
Definition
Noun: 1. A style of handwriting: Specifically, a clear, formal style of cursive writing characterized by large, rounded, and open letterforms. It is often used for emphasis or decorative purposes.
Usage
The term "round hand" is used to describe a particular aesthetic and functional style of penmanship. It is often contrasted with more angular or compact styles of writing. * The calligrapher demonstrated the elegant flourishes of round hand. * For the wedding invitations, they chose a beautiful round hand script.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: In the 18th and 19th centuries, "round hand" (or English round hand) was a standard business and copperplate script taught in schools, known for its clarity and legibility.
- Many important historical documents were penned in a fine round hand.
Variants and Related Words
- Copperplate: A related style of formal cursive handwriting, often created with a pointed pen and characterized by shaded thick and thin lines. Round hand is a foundational style for copperplate.
- Longhand: Ordinary handwriting, as opposed to shorthand or print. Round hand is a specific style of longhand.
- Cursive: Writing in which letters are joined together. Round hand is a type of cursive script.
Synonyms
- Script (when referring to a style of handwriting)
- Penmanship (the art or skill of writing by hand)
- Calligraphy (the art of beautiful handwriting; round hand is a calligraphic style)
Antonyms
- Print (writing with unjoined letters)
- Shorthand (a system for rapid writing using symbols or abbreviations)
- Block letters (a style of writing with separate, unjoined capital letters)
Noun
-
a clearly written style of longhand with large round curves
