Cursive usuallyhappening most of the time; not always, but commonly refers to a style of writing where the letters in a word are joinedput together so parts touch or connect as one together. It can also mean handwriting written in that connected, flowingmoving smoothly and continuously without sudden stops style.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /KUR-siv/
Easy pronunciation: KUR-siv (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: KUR-siv.
Noun sense: joined-up handwriting.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Cursive Meaning
joined-up handwriting
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A style of handwriting in which the letters in a word are connected together and written quickly without lifting the pen very much.
Example: She learned to write in cursive at school.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- cursive script — Directly matches the handwriting style meaning.
- running hand — A traditional term for connected handwriting.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Cursive
Meaning 2
written with joined letters
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: Having letters joined together in a flowing style.
Example: The invitation was printed in cursive lettering.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- cursive script — Works as a phrase for writing in a connected style, though it is more often used for the handwriting style as a noun.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Cursive Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- cursive script
- running hand
Adjective: written with joined letters
- cursive script
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using cursive to mean any neat handwriting. It specifically means joined-up, connected writing.
- Using cursive as if it always refers to decorative calligraphy. It is about connected handwriting, not just ornamental lettering.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cursive mean?
Cursive means handwriting with letters joined together in a flowing style. It can also describe writing or lettering made in that style.
What are cursive synonyms?
For the handwriting sense, common synonyms include cursive script and running hand. Longhand is related, but it is broader and does not always mean joined-up writing.
Is cursive a noun or an adjective?
It can be both. As a noun, it means joined-up handwriting. As an adjective, it means written in that joined style.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.