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B1 verb, noun #50 most common 13 min read

print

Top 50

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips print in 30 Seconds

Explanation print in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'print' is a very simple and useful word. It mostly means using a machine to put words from a computer onto paper. You might learn it when talking about school or office work. For example, 'I print my homework.' It also means writing your name clearly, letter by letter, not in a messy way. Teachers often say, 'Please print your name here.' This is the most basic way to use the word. You don't need to worry about the complicated meanings yet. Just think of a printer machine and clear handwriting. It is a regular verb: I print, you print, he prints. In the past, it is 'printed'. For example, 'Yesterday, I printed the photos.' It is a common word you will see on buttons in computer programs like Word or on websites. If you see a picture of a small printer, the word next to it will be 'Print'. It is one of the first 'action' words you learn for using technology in English.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'print' as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, you know it means using a printer. You might also learn the phrasal verb 'print out'. For example, 'Can you print out the map for me?' As a noun, you might use it to talk about 'prints' on clothes, like a 'flower print' or an 'animal print'. You might also hear about 'fingerprints' in simple stories or movies. You understand that 'print' is different from 'write' because 'print' is usually clearer or done by a machine. You can use it to describe simple actions in an office or at home. You might also see it in instructions, like 'Print the document and sign it.' At this level, you are becoming more comfortable using the word in different sentences and understanding that it can be a thing (a noun) or an action (a verb). You know that 'printed' is the past tense and 'printing' is the continuous form, like 'The printer is printing now.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'print' in more professional and specific ways. You understand the difference between 'printing' and 'publishing'. You know that 'in print' means a book is available to buy. You are familiar with common phrases like 'the fine print', which refers to the small, important details in a contract. You can use 'print' to talk about various industries, such as 'print media' (newspapers and magazines). You also understand the concept of '3D printing' and how it is changing technology. In your writing, you can use 'print' to describe patterns on fabric or marks left on a surface with more detail. You might say, 'The detective found a footprint in the garden.' You are also aware of the instruction 'Please print' on forms, meaning to write clearly in block letters. Your vocabulary is growing to include related words like 'printer', 'printout', and 'printable'. You can use the word confidently in most everyday situations, both at work and in social life.

At the B2 level, you use 'print' with more nuance and in more complex grammatical structures. You understand idiomatic expressions like 'to be in print' or 'to go to print'. You can discuss the impact of 'print journalism' versus digital media. You might use the word in the context of art, discussing 'limited edition prints' or 'screen-printing' techniques. You are aware of the word's role in compound nouns like 'voiceprint', 'fingerprint', or 'carbon footprint'. You can explain the 'fine print' of a legal document to someone else, emphasizing the hidden risks. Your use of the word is precise; you wouldn't confuse 'printing' a book with 'publishing' it. You might also use the word as an adjective, like 'a printed circuit board' in a technical discussion. You understand that 'print' can also mean the quality of the text, such as 'The print is too small for me to read.' At this level, 'print' is a versatile tool in your vocabulary that you can adapt to many different professional and academic contexts.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'print' includes its historical, technical, and metaphorical significance. You can discuss the 'Gutenberg revolution' and the role of the 'printing press' in the Reformation or the Enlightenment. You use the word in sophisticated metaphors, such as 'leaving a print on history' or 'the blueprint for success'. You are comfortable with technical terms like 'offset printing', 'lithography', or 'digital sublimation'. In a legal or business context, you can analyze the 'fine print' of complex mergers or international treaties. You might use the word in the context of fashion history, discussing the evolution of 'textile prints' in different cultures. You understand the subtle registers of the word, from the informal 'print out' to the formal 'reproduction'. You can also discuss the ethics of '3D printing' in medicine or weaponry. Your command of the word allows you to use it in academic essays, professional reports, and high-level creative writing with absolute precision and stylistic flair.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'print' and all its connotations. You can engage in deep discussions about the 'death of print' in the digital age and what it means for literacy and democracy. You understand the most obscure uses of the word, such as 'print' in the sense of a cinematographic film copy or the specific 'print' of a social trend. You can use the word in highly literary ways, perhaps using it as a metaphor for memory or the lasting impact of an individual's actions. You are familiar with all the idioms, including those that are less common, and can use them naturally in conversation. You can navigate the most complex 'fine print' with ease, identifying subtle linguistic traps. Whether you are discussing the 'carbon footprint' of a global corporation or the 'aesthetic of the printed word' in modern poetry, your use of 'print' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You appreciate the word's journey from a physical mark to a digital command and a global industry.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

print in 30 Seconds

Print is primarily the act of using a machine to transfer digital text or images onto a physical surface like paper or fabric.
It also refers to a clear style of handwriting where letters are written separately, which is often required on official documents for legibility.
As a noun, it can mean a physical mark (fingerprint), a piece of art (a print), or a decorative pattern on clothing.
The word is essential in media, technology, and law, appearing in phrases like 'print journalism' and 'the fine print' of contracts.

The word print is a versatile cornerstone of the English language, functioning as both a verb and a noun. At its most fundamental level, it describes the process of transferring text or images onto a surface, typically paper, using ink and mechanical pressure or digital technology. However, its utility extends far beyond the office printer. In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens, the act of 'printing' remains a vital bridge between the virtual and the physical. When you print a document, you are manifesting digital data into a tangible form that can be held, filed, or signed. Historically, the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized human civilization by making knowledge accessible to the masses, and the word still carries that weight of authority and permanence. Beyond mechanical reproduction, 'print' also refers to a style of handwriting. In educational contexts, teachers often ask children to 'print' their names rather than using cursive or joined-up writing. This ensures maximum legibility, as each letter is formed distinctly and separately. In the realm of forensics and biology, a 'print' is a mark left by a surface, such as a fingerprint or a footprint, serving as a unique identifier. In the fashion and textile industry, 'print' refers to the patterns and designs applied to fabric, such as a floral print or a geometric print. Understanding 'print' requires recognizing these shifts between technology, manual skill, and physical evidence.

Mechanical Action: The process of using a machine to apply ink to paper or other substrates to create multiple copies of a document or image.
Handwriting Style: Writing letters clearly and separately, without joining them together, often required on official forms for clarity.
Physical Impression: A mark or indentation left by an object pressing against a surface, such as a paw print in the mud or a fingerprint on glass.

The local newspaper decided to print a special edition to commemorate the town's centennial anniversary, featuring historical photographs and interviews.

Please print your name in block capitals at the top of the application form so that our staff can read it easily.

The detective noticed a faint thumb print on the handle of the safe, which eventually led to the suspect's identification.

She chose a vibrant leopard print dress for the gala, making a bold fashion statement among the more conservative attendees.

Modern 3D printers can print complex medical prosthetics using specialized plastic resins and precise digital blueprints.

Furthermore, 'print' has evolved with technology. We now speak of '3D printing', which is an additive manufacturing process that builds layers of material to create three-dimensional objects. This usage retains the core concept of 'reproduction from a digital file' but moves beyond the two-dimensional plane of paper. In the digital age, we also use 'print' in programming contexts, such as the 'print()' function in Python, which displays data on the screen. Even though no physical ink is used, the metaphor of 'outputting information for the user to see' remains consistent. Whether you are looking at a fine art print in a gallery, checking the fine print in a contract, or waiting for your boarding pass to print at an airport kiosk, the word encompasses the transition of information into a readable, stable, and often permanent state.

Using 'print' correctly involves understanding its role as either an action (verb) or a result (noun). As a verb, it often takes a direct object—the thing being produced. For example, 'I need to print the report.' It can also describe the manner of writing: 'Please print clearly.' As a noun, it can refer to the medium itself ('The book is available in large print'), the industry ('He works in print media'), or a specific mark ('There were muddy prints on the carpet'). The word is frequently paired with prepositions like 'in' (in print), 'on' (printed on), or 'out' (print out). The phrasal verb 'print out' is particularly common in office settings, referring to the act of producing a hard copy from a computer. Interestingly, 'print' is also used in the context of photography, where a 'print' is the final physical photograph developed from a negative or a digital file. When discussing fabrics, 'print' acts as a noun describing the pattern: 'I love the floral print on your scarf.' In each of these cases, the word maintains a sense of clarity and reproduction.

The Verb 'To Print': Focuses on the action of creating the mark or document. Example: 'The machine can print sixty pages per minute.'
The Noun 'A Print': Focuses on the physical object or the pattern created. Example: 'She bought a limited edition print of the famous painting.'
The Phrasal Verb 'Print Out': Specifically used for the transition from digital to physical. Example: 'Could you print out the itinerary for me?'

The author was thrilled to see her debut novel finally go to print after years of revisions and rejections.

If you print on both sides of the paper, you can significantly reduce the office's environmental footprint.

The blueprint was so detailed that even the smallest print was legible under a magnifying glass.

In more specialized contexts, 'print' is used to describe the quality of a publication. 'Large print' books are designed for those with visual impairments, while 'fine print' refers to the small, often overlooked details in a contract that might contain important legal caveats. When someone says 'Don't believe everything you see in print,' they are referring to newspapers and magazines, suggesting that published information is not always accurate. In the world of art, 'printmaking' is a respected discipline involving techniques like woodcut, etching, and lithography. Here, each 'print' is considered an original work of art, even if it is part of a numbered series. Whether you are using it in a casual conversation about a cool t-shirt print or a professional discussion about printing costs, the word is essential for describing how we replicate and share information and aesthetics.

You will encounter the word 'print' in a vast array of daily environments, from the mundane to the highly professional. In an office or school, the most common phrase is likely 'The printer is out of ink' or 'I can't get this document to print.' IT support staff frequently deal with 'print jobs' and 'print queues.' In a retail setting, you might hear a cashier ask you to 'print and sign' a receipt, especially for high-value transactions. In a library or bookstore, the staff might discuss whether a particular title is 'still in print' or if they have a 'large-print edition' available for elderly patrons. Fashion designers and retail workers use the word constantly to describe seasonal trends, such as 'animal prints' or 'floral prints' being back in style. In the news and media industry, 'print journalism' is often contrasted with 'digital journalism' or 'broadcast journalism,' referring specifically to physical newspapers and magazines. Even in the legal field, lawyers will warn clients to 'read the fine print' before signing any agreement, highlighting the importance of the small text at the bottom of a page. In a more creative vein, at an art gallery, you might hear a curator explain that a piece is a 'limited edition Giclée print.' Finally, in the digital world, software developers use 'print' as a command to output data to a console, making it one of the first words a student of computer science learns. The word is so ubiquitous that it serves as a bridge between the physical world of ink and paper and the abstract world of digital data and legal concepts.

'Excuse me, where can I find the print station in this library? I need to print my boarding pass before my flight tomorrow.'

'Make sure you read the fine print on that insurance policy; there are several exclusions that might affect your coverage.'

In the world of technology, '3D printing' has become a buzzword, often heard in discussions about manufacturing, medicine, and even space exploration. Engineers might talk about 'printing' a prototype of a new engine part. In a home setting, parents might tell their children to 'print' their names on their school supplies to avoid losing them. The word also appears in the context of 'print media,' a term used by sociologists and historians to describe the era when newspapers were the primary source of information. Even as we move toward a 'paperless' society, the terminology of printing persists. We 'print to PDF,' creating a digital file that looks like a printed page, showing how deeply the concept of the 'printed page' is embedded in our mental models of information organization. Whether it's the 'footprints' left on a beach or the 'voiceprint' used for biometric security, the concept of a 'print' as a unique, reproducible mark is a fundamental part of how we describe the world.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'print' is confusing it with 'type' or 'press'. While 'typing' refers to the act of inputting text via a keyboard, 'printing' is the act of producing that text on paper. You 'type' a letter on your computer, but you 'print' it using a printer. Another common error is using 'print' when 'publish' would be more appropriate. While a newspaper is 'printed' every night, a book is 'published' by a company. 'Printing' is the mechanical process; 'publishing' is the entire business process of editing, marketing, and distributing. Learners also sometimes struggle with the distinction between 'print' and 'handwriting'. In English, 'print' specifically means writing letters that are not joined together. If a form says 'Please print your name,' and you sign it in cursive, it may be rejected because cursive is often harder to read. Another subtle mistake occurs with the noun 'print'. Some might say 'I saw a print of a foot,' but the more natural term is 'footprint'. Similarly, 'fingerprint' is a single compound word, not 'finger print'. In the context of art, a 'print' is a specific type of reproduction; calling a hand-painted original a 'print' would be a significant error. Finally, watch out for the phrasal verb 'print out'. While 'print' and 'print out' are often interchangeable, 'print out' is more informal and usually refers to a single, specific action (e.g., 'I'll print out that email for you'), whereas 'print' can refer to the general capability or a larger scale (e.g., 'This company prints textbooks').

Print vs. Type: Mistake: 'I need to print my password into the box.' Correct: 'I need to type my password into the box.'
Print vs. Publish: Mistake: 'He printed his first novel last year.' Correct: 'He published his first novel last year.' (Unless he literally operated the printing press himself!)
Print vs. Handwriting: Mistake: Signing a form in cursive when it asks you to 'print'. Correct: Writing each letter separately in block style.

In the fashion world, people sometimes confuse 'print' with 'pattern'. While they are similar, a 'print' is specifically a pattern that has been printed onto the fabric, whereas a 'pattern' could be woven into the fabric (like plaid or jacquard). In photography, don't confuse 'print' with 'develop'. Developing is the chemical process of making the image visible on film; printing is the process of making the physical photo from that film. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusion in professional and creative settings. Always consider whether you are talking about the mechanical process, the style of writing, or the physical mark left behind.

Depending on the context, there are several words you can use instead of 'print' to be more precise. If you are talking about the mechanical reproduction of a book, 'publish' or 'reproduce' might be better. If you are talking about making a mark on a surface, 'stamp', 'emboss', or 'etch' could be more descriptive. In the context of handwriting, 'block letters' is a common alternative to 'printing'. In the digital world, 'output' or 'display' are often used in place of 'print' when no physical paper is involved. For art, 'lithograph', 'engraving', or 'screen-print' provide specific technical details that 'print' lacks. Understanding these synonyms helps in choosing the right level of formality and technical accuracy for your communication. For example, 'reproduce' sounds more technical and formal than 'print', while 'stamp' implies a more forceful, physical action. 'Embossing' specifically refers to creating a raised design, which is a very different physical sensation than a flat 'print'.

Publish: To prepare and issue a book, journal, or piece of music for public sale. It involves the whole process, not just the ink on paper.
Stamp: To press a mark or design onto a surface using a tool. Often used for official seals or simple crafts.
Reproduce: To make a copy of something. This is a broader term that can include digital copying, photocopying, or artistic imitation.

The museum shop sells high-quality reproductions of the Impressionist paintings, allowing visitors to take a piece of the experience home.

The notary will stamp the document with an official seal to verify its authenticity and legal standing.

In the world of textiles, 'pattern' is the most common alternative, though 'motif' is used for a single, repeated element of a design. In forensic science, 'impression' is a more formal term for a print, such as a 'dental impression' or a 'tire impression'. In computer science, 'log' or 'display' are often used instead of 'print' when referring to showing information for debugging purposes. By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can describe the world with much greater nuance. Whether you are talking about a 'carbon footprint' (the environmental impact of an individual) or a 'blueprint' (a detailed plan), the core idea of 'print'—a lasting mark or a plan for reproduction—remains a powerful and flexible concept in the English language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Before the printing press, the word 'print' was used to describe the marks made by a signet ring. It wasn't until the 1400s that it became associated with books and ink.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /prɪnt/

US /prɪnt/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

Hint Mint Tint Lint Flint Squint Glint Sprint

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'i' like 'ee' (preent).
Dropping the 't' at the end (prin).
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end (print-uh).
Confusing the 'r' sound with 'l' (plint).
Not aspirating the 'p' at the beginning.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts, but 'fine print' might be tricky.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is easy, but using it correctly for handwriting vs. machine is important.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in daily life; pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, though it can be confused with 'sprint' in noisy environments.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Write Paper Book Machine Name

Learn Next

Publish Document Contract Pattern Digital

Advanced

Lithography Typography Dissemination Sublimation Indelible

Grammar to Know

Phrasal Verbs with Print

Use 'print out' when you are producing a specific document from a computer.

Gerunds as Nouns

'Printing' can be a noun referring to the industry or the act (e.g., 'Printing is expensive').

Passive Voice with Print

Documents are often 'printed' by machines (e.g., 'The books were printed in Italy').

Compound Nouns

'Print' often combines with other nouns like 'fingerprint' or 'newsprint'.

Imperatives for Instructions

Use the base form 'print' for instructions (e.g., 'Print clearly').

Examples by Level

I need to print my homework for school.

J'ai besoin d'imprimer mes devoirs.

Simple present tense with the infinitive 'to print'.

Please print your name on this line.

Veuillez écrire votre nom en lettres d'imprimerie sur cette ligne.

Imperative mood used for giving instructions.

The printer is out of paper.

L'imprimante n'a plus de papier.

Noun form 'printer' refers to the machine.

He printed the photos from his vacation.

Il a imprimé les photos de ses vacances.

Past simple tense 'printed'.

Can you print this email?

Peux-tu imprimer cet e-mail ?

Modal verb 'can' used for a request.

The book has big print.

Le livre a de gros caractères.

Noun 'print' refers to the size of the letters.

I like the blue print on your shirt.

J'aime l'imprimé bleu sur ta chemise.

Noun 'print' refers to a decorative pattern.

She is printing the tickets now.

Elle est en train d'imprimer les billets maintenant.

Present continuous tense 'is printing'.

Don't forget to print out the map before we leave.

N'oublie pas d'imprimer la carte avant que nous partions.

Phrasal verb 'print out' used for a specific document.

The police found a fingerprint on the window.

La police a trouvé une empreinte digitale sur la fenêtre.

Compound noun 'fingerprint'.

Is this magazine still in print?

Est-ce que ce magazine est toujours publié ?

Idiomatic phrase 'in print' meaning still being published.

I prefer reading books in print rather than on a tablet.

Je préfère lire des livres papier plutôt que sur une tablette.

Noun 'print' used to describe the physical medium.

The cat left muddy prints all over the floor.

Le chat a laissé des traces de boue partout sur le sol.

Plural noun 'prints' referring to marks.

You should print your name clearly so everyone can read it.

Tu devrais écrire ton nom clairement pour que tout le monde puisse le lire.

Adverb 'clearly' modifying the verb 'print'.

The company prints its own labels.

L'entreprise imprime ses propres étiquettes.

Third-person singular 'prints'.

I bought a beautiful print of a landscape for my bedroom.

J'ai acheté une belle estampe d'un paysage pour ma chambre.

Noun 'print' referring to a piece of art.

Always read the fine print before you sign a contract.

Lisez toujours les petits caractères avant de signer un contrat.

Idiom 'the fine print' referring to small legal details.

The newspaper has a very large daily print run.

Le journal a un tirage quotidien très important.

Compound noun 'print run' referring to the number of copies made.

She works in print journalism, writing for a local weekly paper.

Elle travaille dans le journalisme de presse écrite, écrivant pour un hebdomadaire local.

Adjective-noun phrase 'print journalism'.

3D printing technology is becoming more affordable for home users.

La technologie d'impression 3D devient plus abordable pour les particuliers.

Compound noun '3D printing'.

The book went out of print in the 1990s.

Le livre a cessé d'être publié dans les années 1990.

Idiomatic phrase 'out of print'.

We need to check the print quality before we send the brochure to the client.

Nous devons vérifier la qualité d'impression avant d'envoyer la brochure au client.

Noun phrase 'print quality'.

The dress features a classic polka-dot print.

La robe présente un imprimé à pois classique.

Noun 'print' referring to a textile pattern.

The detective found a palm print on the steering wheel.

Le détective a trouvé une empreinte palmaire sur le volant.

Compound noun 'palm print'.

The author was delighted to see her work in print for the first time.

L'auteure était ravie de voir son œuvre publiée pour la première fois.

Prepositional phrase 'in print' as a state of being.

The company decided to print a limited edition of the poster.

L'entreprise a décidé de tirer une édition limitée de l'affiche.

Verb 'print' used for artistic reproduction.

He has a very distinctive style of printing his letters.

Il a un style très distinctif d'écrire ses lettres en caractères d'imprimerie.

Gerund 'printing' acting as a noun.

The impact of the printing press on European history cannot be overstated.

L'impact de l'imprimerie sur l'histoire européenne ne peut être surestimé.

Historical term 'printing press'.

The fabric has a vibrant floral print that is perfect for summer.

Le tissu a un imprimé floral éclatant qui est parfait pour l'été.

Adjective 'vibrant' modifying the noun 'print'.

They are printing the final version of the treaty as we speak.

Ils sont en train d'imprimer la version finale du traité au moment où nous parlons.

Present continuous for an action happening now.

The blueprint for the new stadium was printed on large-format paper.

Le plan du nouveau stade a été imprimé sur du papier grand format.

Passive voice 'was printed'.

The suspect's voiceprint was used to identify him in court.

L'empreinte vocale du suspect a été utilisée pour l'identifier au tribunal.

Technical compound noun 'voiceprint'.

The scholarly journal is available both in print and via digital subscription.

La revue savante est disponible à la fois en version papier et via un abonnement numérique.

Parallel structure 'in print and via digital subscription'.

The fine print in the user agreement contains several controversial clauses.

Les petits caractères du contrat d'utilisation contiennent plusieurs clauses controversées.

Metaphorical use of 'fine print' for hidden details.

The artist specialized in woodblock prints, a technique with a long tradition in Japan.

L'artiste se spécialisait dans les estampes sur bois, une technique de longue tradition au Japon.

Specific artistic term 'woodblock prints'.

The government is printing more money to stimulate the economy, which could lead to inflation.

Le gouvernement imprime plus d'argent pour stimuler l'économie, ce qui pourrait mener à l'inflation.

Economic context of 'printing money'.

Her research left an indelible print on the field of molecular biology.

Ses recherches ont laissé une empreinte indélébile dans le domaine de la biologie moléculaire.

Figurative use of 'print' as a lasting influence.

The resolution of the print was so high that you could see individual brushstrokes.

La résolution de l'impression était si élevée que l'on pouvait voir chaque coup de pinceau.

Noun 'print' referring to the quality of reproduction.

The publisher decided to cease the print edition of the newspaper and go digital-only.

L'éditeur a décidé de cesser l'édition papier du journal et de passer au tout numérique.

Adjective 'print' modifying 'edition'.

We must reduce our carbon footprint by printing fewer documents and recycling more.

Nous devons réduire notre empreinte carbone en imprimant moins de documents et en recyclant davantage.

Common environmental idiom 'carbon footprint'.

The manuscript was so fragile that it had to be handled with extreme care before going to print.

Le manuscrit était si fragile qu'il a dû être manipulé avec une précaution extrême avant d'être mis sous presse.

Idiomatic phrase 'going to print' for the final production stage.

The subtle interplay of light and shadow in the lithographic print was breathtaking.

Le jeu subtil d'ombre et de lumière dans l'estampe lithographique était à couper le souffle.

Highly descriptive language surrounding the noun 'print'.

He scrutinized the fine print of the merger agreement, looking for any potential liabilities.

Il a scruté les petits caractères de l'accord de fusion, à la recherche de toute responsabilité potentielle.

Advanced verb 'scrutinized' paired with 'fine print'.

The era of the printing press heralded a paradigm shift in how information was disseminated.

L'ère de l'imprimerie a annoncé un changement de paradigme dans la manière dont l'information était diffusée.

Academic register using 'heralded' and 'paradigm shift'.

The detective noted the absence of any prints, suggesting the perpetrator had worn gloves.

Le détective a noté l'absence de toute empreinte, suggérant que l'auteur avait porté des gants.

Ellipsis of 'fingerprints' common in professional jargon.

The fabric's intricate print was achieved through a complex process of digital sublimation.

L'imprimé complexe du tissu a été réalisé grâce à un processus complexe de sublimation numérique.

Technical description of the printing process.

The politician's gaffe was immortalized in print the following morning.

La gaffe du politicien a été immortalisée dans la presse le lendemain matin.

Passive voice 'was immortalized' with 'in print'.

The blueprint of the human genome has provided a print for future medical breakthroughs.

Le plan du génome humain a fourni un modèle pour les futures percées médicales.

Metaphorical use of 'print' as a plan or template.

Common Collocations

Print quality

Large print

Fine print

Print media

Floral print

Out of print

Print job

Block print

Daily print

Digital print

Common Phrases

In print

— Currently being published and available for sale. It can also mean published in a newspaper or book.

His latest essay is finally in print.

Print out

— To produce a physical copy of a digital document. It is a very common phrasal verb.

Could you print out two copies of the agenda?

Go to print

— To start the final mechanical process of printing a publication. It implies the editing is finished.

The magazine goes to print every Thursday.

Blue print

— A detailed plan or design for a building or a project. Often used metaphorically.

The architect presented the blueprint for the new school.

Finger print

— The unique pattern of ridges on a person's fingertip, used for identification.

The thief left a fingerprint on the glass.

Carbon footprint

— The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by an individual or organization.

Flying less is a good way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Small print

— Similar to 'fine print'; the small details in a contract that are often important.

Don't ignore the small print at the bottom of the page.

Print run

— The total number of copies of a book or newspaper printed at one time.

The first print run of the novel sold out in a week.

Voice print

— A digital representation of a person's voice used for security and identification.

The bank uses voice print technology for phone banking.

Animal print

— A pattern on fabric that looks like the skin or fur of an animal.

Leopard print is a very popular choice this season.

Often Confused With

print vs Type

Typing is done on a keyboard; printing is done by a machine onto paper.

print vs Press

A 'press' is the machine itself or the journalism industry; 'print' is the action or result.

print vs Publish

Publishing is the whole business; printing is just the mechanical part.

Idioms & Expressions

"Read the fine print"

— To pay close attention to the small, often hidden details of an agreement or situation.

He didn't read the fine print and ended up paying extra fees.

Informal/Professional

"Not worth the paper it's printed on"

— Describes a document or agreement that has no real value or legal power.

That contract is not worth the paper it's printed on.

Informal

"A blueprint for success"

— A detailed and effective plan for achieving a goal.

Her hard work provided a blueprint for success for the rest of the team.

Neutral

"In print"

— To have one's words published in a newspaper, magazine, or book.

It was the first time she had seen her name in print.

Neutral

"The print is barely dry"

— Used to describe a document or news that is very recent or has just been finalized.

The print is barely dry on the peace treaty, and they are already arguing.

Informal

"Off the prints"

— A technical term in film referring to the final version of a movie ready for distribution.

The director was happy with the final off the prints version.

Technical

"Footprints in the sands of time"

— The lasting impact or legacy that a person leaves behind after they are gone.

Great leaders leave footprints in the sands of time.

Literary

"Print money"

— To make a lot of profit very easily, often used for a very successful business.

That new tech company is practically printing money.

Informal

"Fit to print"

— Information that is suitable or appropriate to be published in a newspaper.

The editor decided the story wasn't fit to print.

Journalism

"Small print"

— The less obvious but important parts of a deal.

Always check the small print before you buy insurance.

Neutral

Easily Confused

print vs Printer

Often used for both the person and the machine.

A 'printer' can be a machine in your office or a person whose job is to print books professionally.

The printer is broken (machine). He is a master printer (person).

print vs Printout

Confused with the action of printing.

The 'printout' is the physical piece of paper you get after you print.

Here is the printout of the spreadsheet.

print vs Cursive

The opposite of printing in handwriting.

Cursive is joined-up writing; printing is separate block letters.

I can't read his cursive, but his print is very neat.

print vs Pattern

Similar to a textile print.

A pattern is the design; a print is specifically a design that has been printed onto fabric.

I like the pattern, but the print quality is poor.

print vs Impression

A more formal synonym for a mark.

An impression is often a physical dent or shape; a print is usually made with ink or a surface mark.

The boots left a deep impression in the snow.

Sentence Patterns

I print [noun].

I print the photo.

Can you print out [noun]?

Can you print out the map?

Please print [noun] in [adjective] letters.

Please print your name in block letters.

[Noun] is out of print.

The old dictionary is out of print.

The [noun] features a [adjective] print.

The shirt features a bold geometric print.

Read the fine print before [verb-ing].

Read the fine print before signing the lease.

The [noun] left a [adjective] print on [noun].

The event left a lasting print on his memory.

The [noun] went to print after [noun].

The manuscript went to print after months of legal review.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I need to print my name on the computer. → I need to type my name on the computer.
You 'type' using a keyboard. You 'print' when you use a printer to put it on paper.
The author printed his book last month. → The author published his book last month.
Printing is just the mechanical part; publishing is the whole process of releasing a book.
I signed the form in print. → I printed my name on the form.
A signature is usually in cursive. 'Printing' means writing the letters separately.
The cat left foot prints. → The cat left footprints.
Footprint is a single compound word, not two separate words.
I am reading the small print of the book. → I am reading the fine print of the contract.
'Fine print' or 'small print' is an idiom for legal details, not just small text in a regular book.

Tips

Regular Verb Forms

Remember that 'print' is a regular verb. The forms are: print (base), prints (third-person), printed (past/past participle), and printing (present participle). This makes it very easy to use in different tenses.

In Print vs. Out of Print

Use these phrases when talking about books. 'In print' means you can buy it new; 'out of print' means you have to look for a used copy. This is very useful for students and researchers.

Legibility Matters

When a form says 'Please print', they are asking for clarity. Use block capitals (ABC) rather than lowercase or cursive to ensure there are no mistakes in processing your information.

Print Media

When discussing the news, use the term 'print media' to distinguish physical newspapers and magazines from websites and TV news. It sounds more professional and precise.

Print to PDF

In the modern office, you often 'print to PDF'. This means you aren't using paper, but you are creating a digital file that looks exactly like a printed page. It's a common way to save documents.

The Fine Print

Always use this idiom when talking about contracts. It warns people to look for hidden rules. For example: 'The price looks good, but make sure you read the fine print!'

Describing Patterns

Instead of just saying 'a patterned shirt', say 'a shirt with a floral print' or 'a geometric print'. It shows a better command of descriptive English and fashion terminology.

Fingerprints and Evidence

In crime stories, 'prints' is often used as a shortcut for 'fingerprints'. For example: 'Did you find any prints on the weapon?' This is a very common way to hear the word in movies.

Carbon Footprint

This is a very important modern term. It refers to your impact on the environment. Using it correctly shows you are aware of current global issues and advanced vocabulary.

Art Prints

In an art gallery, a 'print' is not just a copy; it's often a high-quality reproduction authorized by the artist. Knowing this helps you discuss art more accurately.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'PRinter' making 'INTeresting' marks on paper. PR + INT = PRINT.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant thumb pressing down on a piece of paper, leaving a dark ink mark that turns into a word.

Word Web

Ink Paper Machine Handwriting Pattern Fingerprint Newspaper 3D

Challenge

Try to find five things in your room that have a 'print' on them (a book, a t-shirt, a photo, etc.) and describe them using the word.

Word Origin

The word 'print' comes from the Old French word 'preinte', which meant an 'impression'. This, in turn, derived from the Latin 'premere', meaning 'to press'. It entered the English language in the 14th century.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to the mark made by a seal or a stamp pressed into wax or clay.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Germanic (via Old French)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'fingerprints' in a legal context, as it implies criminal investigation.

Newspapers like 'The New York Times' or 'The Guardian' are often called 'the print press'.

The Gutenberg Bible (first major printed book) The phrase 'All the news that's fit to print' (NYT motto) Andy Warhol's screen prints of Marilyn Monroe

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office/Work

The printer is jammed.
I'll print the report.
Print on both sides.
Check the print queue.

Legal/Business

Read the fine print.
The contract is in print.
Print your name here.
A blueprint for the deal.

Fashion/Art

A floral print dress.
A limited edition print.
Screen-printing a t-shirt.
The print is fading.

Crime/Forensics

Taking fingerprints.
A muddy footprint.
The prints matched.
No prints were found.

Environment

Reduce your carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly printing.
A digital footprint.
The print of human activity.

Conversation Starters

"Do you prefer reading books in print or on an e-reader?"

"Have you ever tried 3D printing something at home or school?"

"Do you think newspapers will still be in print in ten years?"

"What kind of prints or patterns do you like to wear on your clothes?"

"Have you ever forgotten to read the fine print on a contract?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you saw your name in print for the first time. How did it feel?

Write about the environmental impact of printing. Should we go completely paperless?

If you could 3D print anything in the world, what would it be and why?

Reflect on the phrase 'leaving a print on the world'. What kind of legacy do you want to leave?

Compare the experience of looking at a digital photo versus a physical print.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It means to write your name using separate, clear letters (block letters) instead of cursive. This is done so that people can read your name easily, especially on official forms. For example, if your name is 'John', you write J-O-H-N as separate letters.

It is both! As a verb, it means the action of producing text or images (e.g., 'I will print the file'). As a noun, it refers to the result or a mark (e.g., 'The print is very clear' or 'I found a footprint').

The 'fine print' refers to the small text at the bottom of a contract or advertisement. It usually contains important legal details or rules that people often miss. You should always read it carefully before signing anything.

Printing is the mechanical act of putting ink on paper. Publishing is the entire process of making a book or magazine available to the public, including editing, designing, and selling it. A printer prints the book, but a publisher publishes it.

If a book is 'out of print', it means the publisher is no longer making new copies of it. You can usually only find it in second-hand bookstores or libraries. It is the opposite of 'in print'.

3D printing is a modern technology that creates three-dimensional objects from a digital file. Instead of ink on paper, it uses materials like plastic or metal to build an object layer by layer. It is used in medicine, engineering, and even for making toys.

Yes! In fashion, a 'print' is a decorative pattern on fabric, like a floral print, leopard print, or stripes. For example, 'She is wearing a dress with a beautiful tropical print.'

A 'print run' is the total number of copies of a publication (like a book or newspaper) that are printed at one time. If a book is very popular, the publisher might do a second or third print run.

It is one word: 'fingerprint'. It refers to the unique marks on your fingers. Similarly, 'footprint' and 'blueprint' are also single words.

In many programming languages like Python, 'print()' is a command used to show text or data on the screen. For example, 'print("Hello World")' will make the words 'Hello World' appear for the user to see.