Kurzívny

Kurzívny is the typographic term for text set in italics, a style in which letters are slanted to the right. Kurzívny text is used to emphasize words or phrases, to mark foreign terms, to indicate titles of works, and to set apart technical terms or definitions within a sentence. In many languages that use the Latin alphabet, kurzíva serves as a distinct and recognizable way to highlight content without relying on bolding.

Originating in Renaissance Italy, the concept of kurzíva emerged with the development of italic typefaces to save space and to provide emphasis in printed books. The first widely used italic fonts appeared in the early 16th century, notably from the work of printers such as Aldus Manutius. Over time, kurzíva became a standard element of Latin-script typography, with stylistic differences among font families. In modern typography, kurzívny can refer to both true italics, which modify letterforms, and obliques, which are simply slanted versions of upright letters.

Usage and conventions: kurzívny is employed for emphasis, for foreign words and phrases, for the titles of works, and for certain scientific or technical terms within text. It contrasts with upright (roman) type and with bold, serving a distinct communicative purpose. In digital typography and web design, kurzívny is typically implemented via font-style: italic, with font-family selecting an italic variant.

See also: kurzíva, obliqué, typography.