What characterizes serif fonts?

Serif fonts are characterized by the presence of small decorative lines or "serifs" at the ends of their strokes. These features help define the style of serif fonts and distinguish them from sans-serif fonts, which do not have these decorative lines. The addition of serifs can contribute to improved readability in printed materials, as they guide the reader's eye along the lines of text.

The suggestion that serif fonts are always bold is inaccurate because serif fonts come in a variety of weights, including regular, italic, and bold, but not exclusively bold. The notion that they lack decorative lines is in direct contrast to the defining characteristic of these fonts since that absence is a hallmark of sans-serif fonts. Finally, while serif fonts can be used in digital content, they are traditionally known for their use in print media, especially in books and newspapers, emphasizing that their primary application isn't limited to the digital realm.