What characteristic defines sans serif fonts?

The characteristic that defines sans serif fonts is their clean and modern appearance, which comes from the absence of decorative strokes at the ends of letters. This lack of embellishments allows for greater clarity and readability, making these fonts popular in contemporary design practices. Sans serif fonts are often utilized in both digital and print formats, where legibility is crucial. Their simplicity contributes to a straightforward, modern aesthetic that is favored for conveying information efficiently.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe sans serif fonts. While printed materials can certainly employ sans serif fonts, this is not a defining characteristic. Likewise, the presence of decorative strokes at the ends of letters is a defining feature of serif fonts, not sans serif. Although sans serif fonts are commonly used for web design due to their legibility on screens, their versatility and use in various contexts extend beyond just digital applications.