What distinguishes serif fonts from sans-serif fonts?

Serif fonts are characterized by their decorative strokes, known as serifs, which are small lines or embellishments that extend from the ends of the letters. These serifs can enhance the readability of text in printed formats, as they guide the reader's eye along the line of text. In contrast, sans-serif fonts lack these decorative edges, resulting in a cleaner and more modern appearance. This fundamental difference in design is what distinguishes the two categories of fonts.

The other options do not accurately reflect the defining features of serif and sans-serif fonts. The notion that serif fonts are thicker is misleading, as thickness can vary widely within both font types. The claim that sans-serif fonts are always italicized is incorrect since both serif and sans-serif fonts may or may not include italic styles. Lastly, the idea that serif fonts are used only in headlines is an overgeneralization; serif fonts are commonly used in various types of printed material, including body text, depending on the design context.