<i>

The HTML <i> element styles text in italics, often used for emphasis or to highlight technical terms, without conveying any extra semantic significance.

<i> Tag

The <i> element in HTML is used to indicate text that differs from the surrounding content in terms of tone or meaning. It is commonly displayed in italics and is often used for technical terms, idiomatic expressions, and other specialized text.

Syntax

index.html
<i>Italicized Text</i>

i Demo

This example demonstrates how the <i> element is used to italicize foreign phrases.

The Latin phrase Veni, vidi, vici is frequently referenced in music, art, and literature.

index.html
<p>
  The Latin phrase <i lang="la">Veni, vidi, vici</i> is often mentioned in
  music, art, and literature.
</p>

Definition and Usage

The <i> tag is used to indicate a shift in tone, typically representing an alternate voice or specialized text. It is often applied in the following contexts:

  • Technical terms
  • Foreign words or phrases
  • Thoughts or internal dialogue
  • Ship names
  • Taxonomic names (e.g., Homo sapiens)
For emphasis or importance, use the <em> tag instead of <i>, as <em> provides semantic meaning in addition to styling.

Usage Notes

  • The <i> element does not add extra emphasis but serves to distinguish text stylistically.
  • It is useful for rendering text in a way that conveys subtle meaning differences, such as alternative voices or specific terminology.
  • Italicization through CSS (font-style: italic;) can achieve a similar visual effect but without the semantic intent of the <i> tag.

Conclusion

The <i> tag is an essential HTML element for marking text that needs a distinct presentation, often in italics. It helps in highlighting specialized content such as technical terms, foreign phrases, and taxonomic names. However, it should not be used for emphasis, where the <em> tag is more appropriate.