The word "overtitle" is spelled with four syllables: o-ver-ti-tle. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /oʊvərtaɪtəl/. The first syllable is pronounced with the diphthong /oʊ/ as in "oh" followed by a short /ə/ sound. The second syllable contains a stressed /t/ sound followed by the diphthong /aɪ/ as in "eye". The final two syllables include a short /t/ sound followed by a schwa /əl/ sound. This spelling may assist readers in accurately pronouncing and understanding the word "overtitle."
Overtitle refers to a header or main title that is placed above or before a subordinate or secondary title in a written work, document, or publication. It is a term commonly used in the field of publishing, particularly for books, articles, reports, or any other written materials that require titles for organization and clarification.
The purpose of an overtitled section is to provide readers with a concise preview or summary of the content that follows. It acts as a primary indicator or guide to give readers an initial understanding of the subject matter. Overtitles are often more prominent or emphasized than the subordinate titles they precede, whether through font size, style, or positioning.
In addition to aiding readers in navigating through a written work, overtitles also serve to structure and organize the content for both the author and the editor. By defining the overarching theme or topic of a section, chapter, or article, the overtitled header effectively sets the stage and provides a roadmap for the subsequent content. This allows for easier reference and retrieval of information, making it particularly beneficial in longer or complex works.
Overall, overtitles play a vital role in creating a well-structured and coherent written work by providing clear headings that guide readers and offer a glimpse into the content that follows.
The term "overtitle" is a combination of the prefix "over-" and the word "title". The etymology of "title" can be traced back to the Middle English word "title" and Old English word "titul", both of which referred to a heading or superscription. These words can be further traced to the Latin word "titulus", meaning an inscription or label. The prefix "over-" in English often denotes excess, superiority, or accumulation, thus when combined, "overtitle" suggests a title that is above or superior to another title.