script
skrihpt
Script (noun) means the written text of a play, film, speech, or broadcast. Example: “The actors rehearsed from a script full of last-minute changes.”
noun
1
The written text of a play, film, speech, or broadcast.
"The actors rehearsed from a script full of last-minute changes."
"She memorized her lines straight from the script."
"The director gave every actor a copy of the script on the first morning."
2
A style of handwriting, or a set of written characters used for a language.
"The invitation was printed in elegant cursive script."
"Many people find the Greek script hard to read at first."
"Her grandmother's letters were written in a neat, slanted script."
verb
1
To write out in advance, or to plan something carefully.
"The press conference was carefully scripted."
"The comedian scripted every joke in advance and never improvised on stage."
"They scripted a short video to explain the new rules to staff."
How to use script
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe written words for a performance or broadcast, a style of writing, or (as a verb) to plan something out in detail.
Common pairings
follow the script
shooting script
off script
a script for the play
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- scripts
- Past tense
- scripted
Fill the gap
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The actors rehearsed from a _____ full of last-minute changes.
Etymology
From Latin scrīptum ("something written"), the past participle of scrībere ("to write") — the same root that gives us "scribe" and "scripture."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “script” mean?
The word “script” means the written text of a play, film, speech, or broadcast. In plain terms, the written words for a performance or broadcast, a style of writing, or (as a verb) to plan something out in detail.
How do you pronounce “script”?
“Script” is pronounced skrihpt (/skɹɪpt/ in IPA).
How do you use “script” in a sentence?
Here is “script” used in a sentence: “The actors rehearsed from a script full of last-minute changes.”
What part of speech is “script”?
Depending on how it is used, “script” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “script” come from?
The word “script” comes from Latin. From Latin scrīptum ("something written"), the past participle of scrībere ("to write") — the same root that gives us "scribe" and "scripture.".
Is “script” a common word?
“Script” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “script” have?
“Script” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the written text of a play, film, speech, or broadcast.
What is the difference between a 'script' and a 'screenplay'?
A 'script' is the written text of any play, film, speech, or broadcast, so the word is broad. A 'screenplay' is specifically the script written for a film or television programme, including scene descriptions and dialogue.
What is the difference between a 'script' and a 'manuscript'?
A 'script' is the working text of a performance or broadcast, meant to be spoken or acted out. A 'manuscript' is an author's written or typed version of a work, such as a book, submitted before publication and intended to be read rather than performed.
When does 'script' mean a style of handwriting?
'Script' refers to handwriting or a writing system when it describes the form of the characters rather than a performance text. Examples include cursive script, or the different scripts used to write languages, such as Latin, Cyrillic, or Arabic script.
What is the difference between 'script' and 'cursive'?
'Cursive' is one specific style of flowing, joined handwriting. 'Script' is the wider term for a style of handwriting or a set of written characters, so cursive is a type of script but not the only one.
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