Main Entry: write

Pronunciation: \ˈrīt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): wrote \ˈrōt\; writ·ten \ˈri-t^ən\ also writ \ˈrit\ or dial wrote; writ·ing \ˈrī-tiŋ\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wrītan to scratch, draw, inscribe; akin to Old High German rīzan to tear and perhaps to Greek rhinē file, rasp

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 a : to form (as characters or symbols) on a surface with an instrument (as a pen) b : to form (as words) by inscribing the characters or symbols of on a surface c : to spell in writing <words written alike but pronounced differently> d : to cover, fill, or fill in by writing <wrote ten pages> <write a check>
2 : to set down in writing: as a : draw up, draft <write a will> b (1) : to be the author of : compose <writes poems and essays> (2) : to compose in musical form <write a string quartet> c : to express in literary form <if I could write the beauty of your eyes — Shakespeare> d : to communicate by letter <writes that they are coming> e : to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing <write Braille> <writes French with ease> f : to write contracts or orders for; especially : underwrite <write life insurance>
3 : to make a permanent impression of
4 : to communicate with in writing <we'll write you when we get there>
5 : ordain, fate <so be it, it is written — D. C. Peattie>
6 : to make evident or obvious <guilt written on his face>
7 : to force, effect, introduce, or remove by writing <write oneself into fame and fortune — Charles Lee>
8 : to take part in or bring about (something worth recording)
9 a : to introduce (information) into the storage device or medium of a computer b : to transfer (information) from the main memory of a computer to a storage or output device
10 : sell <write a stock option>intransitive verb 1 a : to make significant characters or inscriptions; also : to permit or be adapted to writing b : to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences
2 : to compose, communicate by, or send a letter
3 a : to produce a written work b : to compose music

— write one's own ticket : to select a course of action or position entirely according to one's wishes

— writ large : on a larger scale or in a more prominent manner <the problems of modern totalitarianism are only our own problems writ large — Times Literary Supplement>

— writ small : on a smaller scale