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| write [ rīt ] (past wrote [ rōt ], past participle writ·ten [ rítt'n ], present participle writ·ing, 3rd person present singular writes) |
verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb put words on paper: to put words, letters, numbers, or musical notation on a surface using a pen, pencil, or similar instrument
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2. transitive and intransitive verb create book, poem, or music: to create or compose something for others to read or listen to such as a letter or note, an article, a poem, or a piece of music
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3. transitive verb spell something: to spell a word or words
 two words that are written the same but mean different things
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4. transitive and intransitive verb compose and send letter: to compose and send a letter to somebody
 I wrote her a long letter.
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5. intransitive verb compose material for publication: to create books, poems, or newspaper articles for publication, often as part of a job
 writes for a newspaper
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6. transitive verb fill in form: to fill in the details on a form such as a check, prescription, or other document and, usually, sign it
 I had to write 20 checks this morning.
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7. transitive verb express something in words: to express something in a letter, book, or article
 He wrote that he would be home on Tuesday.
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8. intransitive verb work as writing tool: to function as a writing instrument, or function in a particular way
 There's something wrong with this pen: it won't write.
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9. transitive and intransitive verb use cursive script: to employ a cursive script when setting down words
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10. transitive verb display something: to reveal or exhibit something clearly
 She had glee written all over her face.
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11. transitive verb insurance Same as underwrite (sense 3)
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12. transitive verb predetermine something: to ordain or prophesy what will happen in the future
(
usually passive
)
 It is written in the stars.
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13. transitive verb comput store computer data: to transfer data to a storage medium such as a magnetic or optical disk or tape
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14. transitive verb comput display something on screen: to display text or images on a computer monitor
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| [ Old English wrītan "score, draw, write" < Germanic, "to tear"] |
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