Cursive vs. Script — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
Cursive is a style of handwriting where letters are usually connected, while Script can refer to any handwriting or a specific style of writing, often ornate.
Difference Between Cursive and Script
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In the world of handwriting, Cursive and Script are terms that often intersect but have distinct nuances. Cursive is recognized by the flow of writing where letters within a word are often connected, making the process of writing faster and smoother. On the other hand, Script is a broader term, often used to describe any form of handwriting, but can also refer to a particular, often ornate, style of writing.
The primary intent behind Cursive writing is fluidity and efficiency. When someone writes in Cursive, there's an evident rhythm and continuity, minimizing the need to lift the pen often. In contrast, while Script can be fluid like cursive, it might also emphasize aesthetics over speed, offering artistic and decorative handwriting styles.
Learning to write in Cursive has been a staple in many educational systems, seen as a step beyond block letters to improve writing speed. Script, meanwhile, might be taught as a subset or advanced version of cursive in some settings, especially when referring to specific decorative handwriting styles.
The digital age brings another layer of understanding. Fonts labeled as Cursive usually have the characteristic connected style, resembling traditional cursive handwriting. Fonts labeled as Script, however, can range from those resembling personal handwriting to highly stylized or decorative types.
To encapsulate, Cursive is predominantly about connected letters facilitating swift handwriting, while Script encompasses a wider range of handwritten styles, often placing a premium on aesthetics.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Fluidity and efficiency in writing.
Aesthetics or specific handwriting styles.
Connection of Letters
Typically connected letters within words.
Can be connected or unconnected.
Usage in Education
Often taught to improve writing speed.
Might be taught as ornate or specific styles.
Digital Fonts
Fonts resemble traditional cursive handwriting.
Range from personal handwriting to highly stylized types.
Broadness of Term
More specific to a type of writing.
A broader term encompassing various handwritten styles.
Compare with Definitions
Cursive
Handwriting style where letters are usually connected.
Her Cursive handwriting was impeccable and easy to read.
Script
Handwriting as opposed to print.
The note was written in a neat Script.
Cursive
Pertaining to running or flowing.
The river's Cursive path carved through the valley.
Script
A set of letters or symbols used for writing a language.
The ancient Script was difficult to decipher.
Cursive
A manuscript written in cursive characters.
Script
The written text of a play or broadcast.
The actor received the Script a week before shooting.
Cursive
Written with a flowing and connected manner.
He signed the document in clear Cursive.
Script
An automated series of instructions executed by a computer.
The developer wrote a Script to automate the task.
Cursive
Cursive (also known as script, among other names) is any style of penmanship in which some characters are written joined together in a flowing manner, generally for the purpose of making writing faster, in contrast to block letters. Cursive handwriting is very functional, and is intended to be used in everyday writing.
Script
Handwriting.
Cursive
Having the successive letters joined together
Cursive writing.
A cursive style of type.
Script
A style of writing with cursive characters.
Cursive
A cursive character or letter.
Script
A particular system of writing
Cuneiform script.
Cursive
(Printing) A type style that imitates handwriting.
Script
A style of type that imitates handwriting.
Cursive
Running; flowing.
Script
The matter set in this type.
Cursive
(of writing) Having successive letters joined together.
Script
The text of a play, broadcast, or movie.
Cursive
(grammar) Of or relating to a grammatical aspect relating to an action that occurs in a straight line (in space or time).
Script
A copy of a text used by a director or performer.
Cursive
(countable) A cursive character, letter or font.
Script
(Law) The original of a legal instrument, as opposed to a copy.
Cursive
(countable) A manuscript written in cursive characters.
Script
(Computers) A simple program in a language that the computer must convert to machine language each time the program is run.
Cursive
(uncountable) Joined-up handwriting.
Script
To prepare (a text) for filming or broadcasting.
Cursive
Running; flowing.
Script
To arrange, direct, or control (an event or a person) as if supplying a script
"the brilliant, charming, judicial moderate scripted by his White House fans" (Ellen Goodman).
Cursive
A character used in cursive writing.
Script
(Computers) To write (code) for a program.
Cursive
A manuscript, especially of the New Testament, written in small, connected characters or in a running hand; - opposed to uncial.
Script
A writing; a written document.
Cursive
Rapid handwriting in which letters are set down in full and cursively connected within words without lifting the writing implement from the paper
Script
Written characters; style of writing.
Cursive
Having successive letter joined together;
Cursive script
Script
(typography) Type made in imitation of handwriting.
Cursive
A method of teaching writing to improve speed.
Many students learn Cursive in elementary school.
Script
An original instrument or document.
Cursive
Characters having joined strokes.
She admired the Cursive script on the invitation.
Script
(countable) The written document containing the dialogue and action for a drama; the text of a stage play, movie, or other performance. Especially, the final form used for the performance itself.
Script
(computing) A file containing a list of user commands, allowing them to be invoked once to execute in sequence.
Script
(psychology) A behavioral script; sequence of actions in a given situation.
Script
(linguistics) A system of writing adapted to a particular language or set of languages.
Script
(informal) prescription for drugs or medicine
Script
(transitive) To make or write a script.
Script
(transitive) To devise, concoct, or contrive.
Script
A writing; a written document.
Script
Type made in imitation of handwriting.
Script
An original instrument or document.
Script
Written characters; style of writing.
Script
A written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance
Script
Something written by hand;
She recognized his handwriting
His hand was illegible
Script
A particular orthography or writing system
Script
Write a script for;
The playwright scripted the movie
Common Curiosities
Can Script fonts be used for formal documents?
It depends on the style; some Script fonts are suitable, while others might be too decorative.
Is Cursive handwriting becoming obsolete?
In some educational systems, Cursive teaching has declined, but many still value it.
Is Cursive faster than regular writing?
Typically, yes. Cursive's connected letters can increase writing speed.
Is all Script writing also Cursive?
No, while Cursive is a type of Script, not all Script is Cursive.
Can a Script be a computer program?
Yes, in tech contexts, a Script is often a set of automated instructions.
Are signatures always in Cursive?
Often, but not always. Some might use a Script style or even block letters.
How is Script different from font?
A font is a specific size and style of type, while Script refers to handwriting or a style imitating it.
Is calligraphy a type of Script?
Yes, calligraphy is an artistic form of Script writing.
Why might someone choose Script fonts?
For aesthetic reasons or to give a personal touch to printed materials.
Can I write in Cursive on digital devices?
Yes, with stylus-compatible devices, you can write in Cursive.
Are there digital tools to learn Cursive?
Yes, there are apps and online platforms dedicated to teaching Cursive.
Do all languages have a Cursive form?
Most do, but the style and rules can differ greatly.
How is Script used in film?
In film, a Script refers to the written text or screenplay.
Does Cursive improve hand-eye coordination?
Some studies suggest it can help in developing motor skills.
Why is Cursive sometimes hard to read?
Everyone's Cursive varies, and some styles or personal habits can make it challenging to decipher.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
