write
ruh-iht
Write (verb) means to form letters, words, or symbols on a surface in order to record or communicate information. Example: “Please write your address clearly in the box at the bottom.”
verb
1
To form letters, words, or symbols on a surface in order to record or communicate information.
"Please write your address clearly in the box at the bottom."
"She wrote her name at the top of the exam paper."
"Write the date at the top of every page, please."
2
To be the author of a book, article, song, or similar creative work.
"My sister writes songs for a small local band."
"He spent a decade writing his first novel."
"She hopes to write a children's book about a clever fox."
3
To compose and send a letter or message to someone.
"I will write you a quick email as soon as I get home."
"I promised to write to her every week while she was travelling."
"Remember to write to your grandmother and thank her for the gift."
How to use write
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo put words down on paper or screen, whether it's a note, a letter, or a whole book.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
write a letter
write a book
write down
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Word forms
- Plural
- writes
- Third person singular
- writes
- Past tense
- wrote, writ, written, ywriten
- Archaic forms
- writest, writeth, wrotest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please _____ your address clearly in the box at the bottom.
Etymology
From Old English wrītan, originally meaning "to carve" or "scratch marks" — writing began as scratching symbols into wood or stone.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for write
See all rhymes for write →Frequently asked questions
What does “write” mean?
The word “write” means to form letters, words, or symbols on a surface in order to record or communicate information. In plain terms, to put words down on paper or screen, whether it's a note, a letter, or a whole book.
How do you pronounce “write”?
“Write” is pronounced ruh-iht (/ɹəɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “write” in a sentence?
Here is “write” used in a sentence: “I promised to write to her every week while she was travelling.”
What is another word for “write”?
Words with a similar meaning to “write” include author, pen, to post and store.
What is the opposite of “write”?
The opposite of “write” — its antonyms — are load, read and retrieve.
What part of speech is “write”?
“Write” is a verb.
Where does the word “write” come from?
The word “write” comes from Old English. From Old English wrītan, originally meaning "to carve" or "scratch marks" — writing began as scratching symbols into wood or stone.
Is “write” a common word?
“Write” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'write' and 'right'?
They sound the same but are unrelated. 'Write' is a verb meaning to form letters or words to record information. 'Right' can mean correct, a direction opposite to left, or an entitlement. They are homophones, and a third, 'rite', means a ceremony. Only spelling and context tell them apart.
What are the past tense forms of 'write'?
'Write' is irregular. Its simple past is 'wrote', as in 'she wrote a letter', and its past participle is 'written', used with 'have' or 'was', as in 'I have written' or 'it was written'. The present forms are 'write' and 'writes', with 'writing' as the -ing form.
What is the difference between writing and typing?
Both record words, but by different means. Writing usually means forming letters by hand with a pen or pencil, while typing means producing them with a keyboard on a device. In a broader sense, 'writing' also covers composing text in any form, whether it is handwritten, typed, or dictated.
Can writing be learned?
Yes. Writing is a learned skill on two levels: forming letters by hand, taught in early childhood, and composing clear, effective text, which improves throughout life with practice. Reading widely, writing regularly, and getting feedback all help. Like most skills, writing develops steadily with effort rather than being a fixed talent.
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