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write

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verb British English pronunciation: write /raɪt/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theywrite
he/she/itwrites
present participlewriting
past tensewrote
past participlewritten
 
  1. 1
    [intransitive/transitive] to use a pen to make words, numbers, or symbols

    Emily is just learning to write.

    Write your full name in Box A.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  writeThesaurus entry for this meaning of write
    1. a.
      to put words on paper or some other surface
      write something on something:

      There were names written on the walls.

      write something in something:

      He was writing something in a notebook.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  writeThesaurus entry for this meaning of write
  2. 2
    [intransitive/transitive] to create something such as a story or song by putting words together

    He ought to have enough stories to write a book.

    write about:

    He travelled around Mexico and wrote about his experiences.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  writeThesaurus entry for this meaning of write
    1. a.
      [intransitive] to create things such as books as a job or for pleasure
      write for:

      She writes for a number of American fashion magazines.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  writeThesaurus entry for this meaning of write
    2. b.
      [intransitive/transitive] to use words to create a letter or other message
      write something to someone:

      She’d written a letter to the newspaper to complain.

      write someone something:

      I sat down and wrote them an apology.

      write saying/asking etc something:

      She wrote asking what the place was like.

      write to say/express etc something:

      We are writing to express our concern regarding your report.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  writeThesaurus entry for this meaning of write
  3. 3
    [transitive] to create a formal document by writing
    write someone something:

    I’ll write you a cheque for the full amount.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  writeThesaurus entry for this meaning of write
  4. 4
    [transitive] to create a computer program

    This program was written by students at Stanford University.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  writeThesaurus entry for this meaning of write
  5. 5
    [transitive] to spell a word

    Americans write ‘colour’ without a ‘u’.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  writeThesaurus entry for this meaning of write
  6. 6
    [intransitive] a pen that does not write does not work

    My pen won’t write. Can I borrow yours?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  writeThesaurus entry for this meaning of write

phrases

This is the British English definition of write. View American English definition of write.

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