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Glite Dictionary
antiqua

antiqua

9.9
A style of printed letters with small lines on the ends, used in books and magazines
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : antiqua
  • It was known as Litera Antiqua, the ancient or Roman script.

Examples

  • I love the classic look of antiqua typefaces in printed books.

  • For my article, I chose to write in antiqua because it's easier to read than blackletter.

  • The museum's brochure features a beautiful antiqua font that complements the artwork.

Synonyms

old style
vsantiqua
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A traditional-looking font like books from long ago with small difference between thick and thin lines

is a more general serif printing style not defined by slanted or irregular details
roman
vsantiqua
  • Specialized
1 6.1

An upright letter style with small lines at the ends used for printed text like in books

is the broader serif printing style used in contrast to blackletter
old style font
vsantiqua
  • Specialized
6.9

A traditional set of printed letters with small slanted ends and mostly even line thickness

is the general serif printing style rather than this narrow historic design

Surface Forms

antiqua singular
antiquas plural

Etymology

Antiqua comes from the Latin antiquus, which means 'old' and is the same root as English antique and antiquity. Printers used antiqua to name the Roman-style letters with small lines at the ends, so today antiqua means a classic, readable serif typeface.