What does interlineating mean?
Interlineating is the act of writing or inserting words between the lines of a document. It is especially associated with editing manuscripts, proofs, and historical texts, where a reader or editor may add corrections, translations, explanations, or comments directly between the existing lines. The word can describe the activity itself, as in "interlineating corrections," or the resulting marked text, as in a manuscript that has been interlineated by a later hand. It is more precise and more formal than simply writing in the margins, because it emphasizes placement between the written lines. Although the practice is no longer common in everyday proofreading, it remains important in the study of manuscripts and in textual scholarship, where changes made by scribes, readers, or editors can reveal how a text was understood and transmitted. In general usage, "edit," "annotate," or "add comments" will usually be clearer.
verbInterlineating means writing or inserting text between the lines of a document, especially to make corrections or annotations. It is a formal term associated with proofreading and textual editing.
- To write or insert text between the lines of a document, especially to correct, annotate, or amend it.
"The editor spent the afternoon interlineating corrections in the margins of the manuscript."
"She was interlineating suggestions in the margins of the proof."
"The old manuscript contains several passages that have been interlineated by a later editor."
Interlineating turns the margins and spaces between printed words into a precise editorial workspace.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of interlineating
The word is formed from the Latin prefix inter-, meaning "between," and the English root line, with the suffix -ate. Its underlying vocabulary is Latin: linea means "line," and related forms include English linear, from Latin linealis, and interlinear, from Latin interlinearis. The modern sense developed from the practice of placing editorial text between the lines of an existing document.
Related word forms
How interlineating is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon term. In ordinary writing, "insert," "annotate," or "correct" are more natural choices.