Cursives

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A style of handwriting where letters are connected in a flowing manner
2. A form of written text characterized by the continuous, joined-up formation of characters
3. A script that emphasizes fluidity and elegance through interconnected letters

Etymology: The adjective "cursive" comes from Medieval Latin "cursivus," meaning "running," from Latin "currere," "to run." The original sense was about speed rather than style: a "littera cursiva" was a hand written quickly and without lifting the pen. Scribes used these flowing forms for everyday documents, while more formal texts kept separate, upright letters. The noun "cursive," meaning the handwriting itself, developed from that adjective in English, with the "script" implied and then dropped. The shift from "quick" to "elegant" is the part that changed most. Connected letters were practical first and decorative later, which is why the same join that once saved time now reads as flourish.

Synonyms: script, handwriting