Orthography
/ɔːrˈθɒɡrəfi/noun
The conventional spelling system of a language, or the correct spelling of words.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek roots meaning “straight” and “writing,” and in ancient texts, correct writing was tied to correctness itself—language as a tool of discipline, not just communication.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
orthographía
“correct writing; proper spelling”
Late Greek
Greek
orthographia
“the art of correct writing”
Late Latin
Latin
orthographia
“correct writing; spelling”
15th Century
English
orthographie
“the art or practice of correct writing or spelling”
Modern English
English
orthography
“the standard system of spelling in a language”
Explore more surprising origins