Final answer:
A 'font-family' refers to a set of fonts that have similar design characteristics, offering various styles and weights for flexibility in design. The family concept relates to having a shared design lineage with individual traits, much like a real family. Serif and sans-serif are basic letterforms within font families that contribute to different typographic styles and impressions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'font-family' is used in typography to describe a group of fonts that share common design features. Each font within the family can have different variations, such as weight (light, regular, bold), style (italic, oblique), and size.
The concept of a font family is akin to an actual family where there is a common lineage or characteristic, but each member has their own individual traits. A font family provides versatility and coherence in design, allowing for a consistent yet adaptable typographic hierarchy within a project.
Within a font family, you might notice small details, such as the serif or the shape of letterforms, that make each font within the family unique yet related. Serifs are the small lines or strokes attached to the ends of larger strokes within letters, while sans-serif fonts lack these additional strokes.
These differences in typeface styles convey different tones and identities, which is crucial in design. For instance, a serif typeface might be chosen for its classical or refined appearance, whereas a sans-serif font may be selected for a more modern vibe, such as Helvetica, which is sans-serif.