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write

  • verb (past wrote; past part. written) 1 mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement. 2 write and send (a letter) to someone. 3 compose (a text or work) in writing. 4 compose (a musical work). 5 fill out or complete (a cheque or similar document). 6 Computing enter (data) into a specified storage medium or location in store. 7 underwrite (an insurance policy).

  — PHRASES be written all over one’s face informal be obvious from one’s expression. write off 1 dismiss as insignificant. 2 cancel the record of (a bad debt); acknowledge the failure to recover (an asset). 3 Brit. damage (a vehicle) so badly that it cannot be repaired or is not worth repairing.

  — DERIVATIVES writable adjective (chiefly Computing).

  — ORIGIN Old English.

 

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