In printing, an italic letter or type_ usually in the plural_ as, this is to be printed in italics Abbreviated ital, An Italic letter, character, or type (see italic, a, 2); -- often in the plural Italic letters are used to distinguish words for emphasis, importance, antithesis, etc Also, collectively, Italic letters, adjective_ the group or family of languages of ancient Italy, typography, of a typeface or font Designed to resemble a handwriting style developed in Italy in the 16th century