cursive

[ kur-siv ]

adjective

1. (of handwriting) in flowing strokes with the letters joined together.
2. Printing. in flowing strokes resembling handwriting.

noun

1. a cursive letter or character.
2. Printing. a style of typeface simulating handwriting.

cursive

/ ˈkɜːsɪv /

adjective

1. of or relating to handwriting in which letters are formed and joined in a rapid flowing style
2. printing of or relating to typefaces that resemble handwriting

noun

1. a cursive letter or printing type
2. a manuscript written in cursive letters

Derived Forms

• ˈcursively, adverb

Other Words From

• cursive·ly adverb
• cursive·ness noun
• non·cursive adjective
• non·cursive·ly adverb
• trans·cursive adjective
• trans·cursive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cursive¹

1775–85; < Medieval Latin cursīvus flowing (said of penmanship), equivalent to Latin curs ( us ) (past participle of currere to run) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of cursive¹

C18: from Medieval Latin cursīvus running, ultimately from Latin currere to run

Example Sentences

“Etiquette is kind of beside the point. It’s like reading a ransom note and going, ‘This cursive is just so lovely.

From Salon

Calligraphy, a centuries-old art form, is seeing a surge of interest, including among young people more familiar with coding than cursive.

From New York Times

The new emphasis on cursive comes even as researchers are developing products that will use artificial intelligence to replicate handwriting based on just a small sample of written material, Bloomberg reported.

From New York Times

Erich Lepier, one of the Pernkopf atlas illustrators, repeatedly included a swastika after the cursive R in his signature.

From Los Angeles Times

Alongside the dramatic crying selfies, sad girl Tumblr pages were full of simple, morose statements like “I hate my life” written in glittery pink cursive or pastels, the cheerful presentation clashing with the message to strike the discordant note central to so much internet humor.

From Salon

Related Words

• comfortable
• effortless
• peaceful
• pleasant
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• slow
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• soft
• successful