Indented is a frequently misspelled word in English. It is pronounced as [ɪnˈdɛntɪd] with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of this word can be confusing because of the unusual combination of letters. The initial "i" is followed by "nd," which might lead some to spell it "indetted." However, the correct spelling is "indented" with no extra "t." This word is commonly used to describe a line or paragraph that is set in a little from the regular margin.
Indented is an adjective that is used to describe something that has been set, marked, or cut into an uneven or staggered pattern. The term typically refers to a specific type of indentation, where a surface or material is carved, notched, or formed with recessed areas or grooves.
In typography, indented refers to the formatting style of creating a visible space at the beginning of a paragraph by shifting it inward from the left margin. This indentation distinguishes the start of a new paragraph and enhances readability as it visually separates sections of text.
In the context of manufacturing or construction, indented refers to a kind of design or structure where a surface or object is intentionally made with recesses or grooves. This may serve functional purposes, such as providing grip or facilitating the connection of two components, or it may be purely decorative.
Additionally, indented can also refer to a situation where something is set back or receded further into a particular space. For example, indented seating in a theater or auditorium refers to the arrangement of seats being set back or staggered to provide better visibility for the audience.
Overall, indented implies the presence of recesses, notches, or shifts in a material or surface, whether it be in textual formatting, physical design, or spatial arrangements.
Notched, like the teeth of a saw.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "indented" originated from the Latin word "indentare", which means "to make teeth in" or "to notch". In medieval times, contracts and legal documents were written on parchment and were often copied in multiple sections on a single sheet. To ensure the authenticity of the copies, the scribe would cut jagged or notched edges along the top of each section, creating a unique pattern. These notches were called "indents". When the sections were separated, the jagged edges would match together like puzzle pieces, indicating that they belonged to the same document. Over time, the term "indented" began to be used more broadly to refer to any pattern of notched or jagged edges.