The term "indentation" refers to the act of creating a space or indentation in a text. The spelling of this word follows a simple pattern. It starts with the short "i" sound as in "it" (ɪn). The next syllable has a long "d" sound (dɛn) and the final syllable ends with the schwa sound (eɪʃn). The word's IPA transcription is /ɪnˌdɛnˈteɪʃn/. Correct spelling and pronunciation of "indentation" is essential in the field of writing, editing, and typesetting.
Indentation is a noun referring to the act of making a recess or groove in an object's surface, or the resulting depression or mark left by such an action. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as in writing, printing, or woodworking.
In writing and printing, indentation refers to the practice of beginning a line of text at a position that is further inward than the preceding lines. This is typically achieved by inserting spaces or tabs at the start of a line, and it helps to visually distinguish and organize paragraphs or block quotations. Indentation in writing also serves as a typographical convention to indicate new paragraphs in longer texts, making the structure of the content more apparent to the reader.
In a different sense, indentation is used in woodworking to describe the process of cutting or shaping a material, such as wood or metal, to create a groove or recess. This can be done with tools like chisels or routers and is commonly used for decorative purposes or to join two components together.
Indentation can also refer to a more general concept, such as a mark or depression that is caused by pressure, erosion, or some other force acting on a surface. For example, pressing into paper with a pen can create an indentation, or the movement of glaciers can leave indentations in the earth's surface.
1. The act of notching or pitting. 2. A notch. 3. A state of being notched.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A cut or notch.
• A notch or jag; a cut or depression in any margin or border.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "indentation" has its etymology in the Latin word "indentatio", derived from the verb "indentare". This Latin term consists of two components: "in" meaning "in" or "inside", and "dentare" meaning "tooth" or "to stamp with teeth". In medieval English, the term "indent" started being used to refer to a document with a jagged or notched edge, much like the teeth of an animal. Over time, "indentation" began to be used to describe the act of creating such notches or indents, eventually evolving to its modern meaning of a space or hollow created by indentation.