write
Pronunciation: (rīt), [key]
— v., wrote writ writ&sylten writ writ&syling.
—v.t.
- to trace or form (characters, letters, words, etc.) on the surface of some material, as with a pen, pencil, or other instrument or means; inscribe: Write your name on the board.
- to express or communicate in writing; give a written account of.
- to fill in the blank spaces of (a printed form) with writing: to write a check.
- to execute or produce by setting down words, figures, etc.: to write two copies of a letter.
- to compose and produce in words or characters duly set down: to write a letter to a friend.
- to produce as author or composer: to write a sonnet; to write a symphony.
- to trace significant characters on, or mark or cover with writing.
- to cause to be apparent or unmistakable: Honesty is written on his face.
- to transfer (information, data, programs, etc.) from storage to secondary storage or an output medium.
- to sell (options).
- to underwrite.
—v.i.
- to trace or form characters, words, etc., with a pen, pencil, or other instrument or means, or as a pen or the like does: He writes with a pen.
- to write as a profession or occupation:Daily Inquirer. She writes for the
- to express ideas in writing.
- to write a letter or letters, or communicate by letter: Write if you get work.
- to compose or work as a writer or author.
- to write into a secondary storage device or output medium.
- He writes down to the public.
- to set down in writing; record; note.
- to direct one's writing to a less intelligent reader or audience:He writes down to the public.
- Do not write in corrections on the galley.
- to vote for (a candidate not listed on the ballot) by writing his or her name on the ballot.
- to include in or add to a text by writing:Do not write in corrections on the galley.
- to request something by mail:If interested, please write in for details.
- to write off their bad experience.
- to cancel an entry in an account, as an unpaid and uncollectable debt.
- to regard as worthless, lost, obsolete, etc.; decide to forget:to write off their bad experience.
- to amortize:The new equipment was written off in three years.
- He's just another author who has written himself out.
- to put into writing.
- to write in full form; state completely.
- to exhaust the capacity or resources of by excessive writing:He's just another author who has written himself out.
- Write up a report.
- to put into writing, esp. in full detail:Write up a report.
- to present to public notice in a written description or account.
- Accounting.to make an excessive valuation of (an asset).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.