What does interlined mean?
Interlined describes writing, printing, or arrangement that appears between other lines. It most often refers to a text, gloss, or translation written directly above, below, or between the principal lines of a manuscript. The word is especially useful in discussions of medieval manuscripts, early books, typography, and the history of annotation, where additional commentary was often fitted into available spaces. In some contexts, “interlined” can also refer more generally to parallel material arranged between main lines. It should not be confused with “interlaced,” which concerns weaving or intertwining, or with “interlinear,” a broader adjective for anything located between lines. Although ordinary modern prose is rarely interlined, the term remains valuable for describing a distinctive and historically important way of presenting multiple texts or forms of information together.
Written, printed, or positioned between other lines of text or writing.
"The interlined notes helped scholars decipher the damaged manuscript."
Chiefly used in reference to manuscripts, printed books, typography, and the scholarly study of written texts.
Past tense and past participle of interline: to write or insert something between existing lines of text.
"The translator interlined each verse with a concise gloss."
This is a regular verb form rather than a distinct lexical sense.
Interlined writing turns the spaces between words into a second layer of communication, a technique used in manuscripts, glosses, and early printed books.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of interlined
“Interlined” was formed from the English verb “interline,” meaning to write between existing lines, with the participial ending “-ed.” The verb “interline” combines the Latin-derived prefix “inter-,” meaning “between,” with “line,” in the sense of a row of written or printed text. The related adjective “interlinear” was formed directly from the same elements and carries the broader sense of being positioned between lines.
Related word forms
How interlined is actually used
The term is most common in scholarly work on manuscripts, typography, and historical writing. It can also occur as the past participle of the verb “interline,” though that form normally means to write or insert something between existing lines.
Easily confused with interlined
“Interlined” commonly describes writing physically placed between other lines, whereas “interlinear” more broadly refers to anything situated between lines, including a script or system of writing.
“Interlined” involves text arranged between lines, while “interlaced” describes strands, lines, or designs woven or intertwined with one another.