What does style mean?
Style is the distinctive manner in which a person writes, speaks, behaves, designs, or presents something. It can describe an individual's habits, such as a writer's use of vivid imagery or a performer's understated delivery, and it can also refer to the recognizable character of an artistic period, such as the style of the Renaissance. In social and fashion contexts, style usually carries positive associations of originality, taste, or elegance. The word is also used in practical settings such as style guides, where it means rules for consistent writing or presentation. As a verb, style can mean to arrange or decorate something in a particular way, or to make something conform to an established standard. Historically, the word developed from the Latin stylus, a writing implement, reflecting an early connection between style and the acts of writing and expression.
A distinctive manner of writing, speaking, behaving, or presenting something; also, a characteristic artistic or historical manner.
"She has a distinctive style of teaching that makes difficult subjects approachable."
The word is broad in application: it can refer to personal manner, artistic technique, design, fashion, or the conventions of a period.
To arrange, design, or present something in a particular manner, especially a manner regarded as elegant or appropriate.
"The team styled the website with a simple and modern look."
Often used in contexts involving clothing, hair, décor, design, or written expression; it can also mean to give something a specified form.
Used when referring to different manners, approaches, forms of expression, or types of design.
"The collection showcases several distinct styles of contemporary architecture."
Style began with a stylus: the word's Roman ancestor was a writing tool, before it came to mean the distinctive way something was written.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of style
English style comes through Old French stile from Latin stylus, meaning a writing instrument or pointed tool. The Latin word was associated with writing, and the meaning developed from a manner of writing to broader senses such as manner, character, and distinctive expression. The root also underlies related English words including stylize and stylus, as well as the larger family of words connected with art, expression, and written form.
Related word forms
How style is actually used
In everyday use, style often suggests elegance, fashion, or conformity to a polished manner. In academic and artistic contexts, it is more neutral and may refer to a writer's technique, a design approach, or the characteristic features of a period or tradition.
Easily confused with style
A style is a manner or method, whereas a stile is a structure used to cross a fence or boundary.