Handwriting

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Handwriting

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

HAND-ry-ting  /ˈhændraɪtɪŋ/

Definition

Writing done with a pen or pencil rather than typed; the particular style of writing characteristic of a specific person; a distinctive quality or approach recognisable as belonging to a particular person or period.

Plain meaning

Handwriting is writing made by hand with a pen or pencil. It is also the distinctive style by which you can recognise who wrote something — your handwriting is as individual as your fingerprint.

Register

Neutral and everyday. Handwriting is used in educational, forensic, psychological, and cultural contexts. Handwriting analysis (graphology) is the study of personality from handwriting — a practice with a long history but questionable scientific status.