Main Entry:

write

Pronunciation:

\ˈrīt\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

wrote \ˈrōt\ ; writ·ten \ˈri-t^ən\ also writ \ˈrit\ or dialect 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 verb1 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 of4: 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 device10: sell <write a stock option>intransitive verb1 a: to make significant characters or inscriptions ; also : to permit or be adapted to writing b: to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences2: to compose, communicate by, or send a letter3 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