What does "writing" mean?
Graphism of symbols such as letters that express some meaning.
Writing
/ˈɹaɪtɪŋ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Graphism of symbols such as letters that express some meaning.
- Grammar: writing is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: composition, abecedary, alphabet, alphabetic character.
- Useful contrasts: editorship, eraser use, oral narrative.
- Usage evidence: I utterly despise formal writing!
How to use "writing"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "writing" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "writing" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "writing" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "writing" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "writing" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "composition" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "writing", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Graphism of symbols such as letters that express some meaning. uncountable
"Because writing of any kind is no more and no less than a graphic representation of speech[…], to study its nature and history we must often have recourse to the speech, that is, to the language, that the writing writes."
- 2 the activity of putting something in written form wordnet
- 3 Something written, such as a document, article or book. countable
- 4 the act of creating written works wordnet
- 5 The process of representing a language with symbols or letters. uncountable
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 letters or symbols that are written or imprinted on a surface to represent the sounds or words of a language wordnet
- 7 A work of an author. countable
"Congrats, you did an interesting piece of writing."
- 8 the work of a writer; anything expressed in letters of the alphabet (especially when considered from the point of view of style and effect) wordnet
- 9 The style of writing of a person. countable
"I can't read your writing."
- 10 (usually plural) the collected work of an author wordnet
- 11 Intended for or used in writing. countable, uncountable
"a writing table"
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of write form-of, gerund, participle, present
"What are you doing? ― Um, I’m writing. ― You are writing! You are writing a lot!"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I utterly despise formal writing!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "writing"?
Common synonyms include: composition, abecedary, alphabet, alphabetic character, art, article.
How do you use "writing" in a sentence?
I utterly despise formal writing!
How do you pronounce "writing"?
Pronounced /ˈɹaɪtɪŋ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English writing, writyng, wryting, wrytyng, from Old English wrīting (“writing”), equivalent to write + -ing.
Etymology 2
From Middle English writinge, wrytynge, writende, writand, from Old English wrītende, present participle of Old English wrītan (“to scratch, carve, write”), equivalent to write + -ing.
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