nonitalicization

Nonitalicization refers to presenting text in an upright, non-italic typeface rather than in italics. It is typically used as the default or baseline style for body text in printed and digital materials, with italics reserved for particular purposes according to a style guide.

In publishing and typography, many style guides specify when italics are appropriate and when nonitalic text should be used. Book and journal titles are often set in italics, while ordinary sentences appear in roman (upright) type. Emphasis is commonly conveyed through other means, such as bold typography, rather than relying exclusively on italics. Foreign words that have become common in the language may be kept in upright type in some contexts, while others require italics to signal their status as loanwords.

In digital typography and web design, nonitalicization is applied by setting the font-style property to normal or by choosing a font family that provides no italic variant. Accessibility considerations, including readability for people with dyslexia or low vision, have led some designers to favor upright text for body copy and to limit the use of italics to specific, necessary cases.

In mathematics and science, the use of nonitalic type is context-dependent. Variables are typically set in italic, but constants, functions, and operators are often written in upright (nonitalic) form to distinguish them from variables and to improve clarity.

Historically, italics were developed to indicate emphasis and other linguistic features; today, nonitalicization remains the default in most prose and user interfaces, reflecting emphasis on readability and consistency across media.