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drop line

drop line

7.5
A headline where each line after the first is indented more to the right
  • noun
  • Jargon
translation icon : línea de caída
  • The editor suggested using a drop line to make the headline stand out.

Examples

  • Many newspapers employed a drop line format in the 20th century.

  • Designers experimented with a drop line to create a dramatic visual effect.

  • The article used a drop line for emphasis.

  • Can you explain what a drop line is?

  • Many newspapers employed a drop line format in the 20th century to enhance their headlines.

  • The editor suggested using a drop line to make the headline stand out and attract readers.

  • Designers experimented with a drop line to create a visually appealing layout for the article.

Synonyms

dropline
vsdrop line
  • Jargon
9.8

A newspaper or magazine headline with each line indented more to the right

is written as two words
stephead
vsdrop line
  • Jargon
9.9

A headline with the first line at the left and each next line moved further to the right

is written as two separate words
stepped line
vsdrop line
  • Jargon
8.4

A line of text with the first line at the left and each next line moved in

is limited to headline use
staggered head
vsdrop line
  • Specialized
9.5

A headline with the first line at the left edge and later lines moved to the right

is the same stepped layout with a neutral tone
stagger head
vsdrop line
  • Specialized
9.6

A headline with each line indented more to the right like steps

is the standard descriptive phrase rather than an informal label

How Indented

drop line
  • Jargon
7.5
indent
1 2.7

Surface Forms

drop line singular
drop lines plural

Morphology

drop + line

This is a specialised typographic term describing a specific layout convention (first line flush left, following lines progressively indented) that cannot be reliably inferred from the literal senses of 'drop' (to let fall/lower) and 'line' (a row or mark). A B1 learner who knows the constituent words would likely not predict this technical meaning from composition alone, so the expression functions as jargon/idiom rather than a transparent combination.

Etymology

Drop line — The noun drop line comes from the way a 'headline' looks: the first line stays at the left edge while the following lines seem to drop to the right in steps, so the term refers to a 'headline' with those 'indented' lines.