italicize

[ ih-tal-uh-sahyz, ahy-tal- ]

verb (used with object)

, i·tal·i·cized, i·tal·i·ciz·ing.

1. to print in italic type.
2. to underscore with a single line, as in indicating italics.

verb (used without object)

, i·tal·i·cized, i·tal·i·ciz·ing.

1. to use italics.

italicize

/ ɪˈtælɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to print (textual matter) in italic type
2. tr to underline (letters, words, etc) with a single line to indicate italics

Derived Forms

• iˌtaliciˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• i·tali·ci·zation noun
• uni·tali·cized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of italicize¹

First recorded in 1785–95; italic + -ize

Example Sentences

Jon Balke’s score is a spare accompaniment that knows when to italicize the unease and when to color in the serenity.

From Los Angeles Times

The pangram from yesterday’s Spelling Bee was italicize.

From New York Times

Notes allows you to bold and italicize, too, which I do every once in a while if I’m feeling wild.

From The Verge

To italicize the point, perhaps, the fruit plate is a dollar cheaper than the ice cream.

From New York Times

She doesn’t italicize the Hindi, affirming the fluidity of language in conversation and thought.

From Los Angeles Times