Orthographist

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A specialist in the rules and conventions of writing, particularly regarding spelling and correct letters in words
2. Someone who focuses on the principles of accurate writing and the correct arrangement of letters in words
3. An expert dedicated to the study and application of writing standards, emphasizing proper spelling and letter formation in language

Etymology: Orthography itself is a Greek compound: "orthos" meaning "straight, correct" joined to "graphia," writing, so the word means correct writing. The "-ist" suffix, from Greek "-istes," marks a person who practises or specialises in something, so an orthographist is someone who specialises in correct spelling. English built the term by attaching this suffix to "orthography," a pattern that produces many agent nouns such as "biologist" or "pianist." The result is a transparent word: each part tells you what it means, and the whole reads exactly as its definition. Its use has stayed largely specialist, appearing in discussions of spelling reform and the standardisation of written language rather than in everyday speech.