written
written
UK[ˈrɪt(ə)n]US[ˈrɪt(ə)n]
adj
In the form of letters or symbols on a surface, especially as opposed to spoken
adj
Formally composed and expressed in writing, as opposed to being impromptu or oral
v
Past participle of 'write'
Morpheme Breakdown
writ
en
writ
en
Etymology
The word 'written' originates from the Old English verb 'writan', which meant to incise, scratch, or draw, particularly on a hard surface like wood or stone. This term is of Germanic origin, related to Old Norse 'rita' and German 'reissen' (to tear). The '-en' suffix is the standard Germanic marker for the past participle of strong verbs, signifying the completed action. Thus, 'written' literally denotes something that has been 'scored' or 'inscribed', a concept that evolved from physical carving to the more abstract act of composing text with any writing instrument.
Analysis
Structure: writ + en
- writ: From Old English 'writan', meaning to score, outline, or write. It functions as the verb root.
- en: A suffix of Old English origin, used to form the past participle of many strong verbs, indicating a completed state or condition.
Examples
The instructions were clearly written on the label.
She prefers written communication over phone calls.
The agreement must be signed and written in duplicate.