Backsetting

/ˈbækˌsɛtɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The process of experiencing a setback or reversal, or in printing/typography, adjusting the position of text backward.

Etymology

Present participle of 'backset' formed with '-ing'. Used in both general and technical contexts.

Kelly Says

In typography, backsetting was crucial in early printing because each letter took up a different width—printers had to physically move letters backward to create proper spacing, which is why some fonts have awkward gaps between certain letter combinations (called 'kerning').

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