Penman: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term when referring to someone skilled in writing by hand, especially with a pen. It often has an old-fashioned or literary connotation.

• The letter was written by a skilled penman with elegant strokes.
• She admired the penmanship of the 18th-century penman.

This word is appropriate when speaking about someone specialized in the art of beautiful handwriting or writing using special tools and techniques. Often used in artistic or formal contexts.

• The wedding invitations were designed by a professional calligrapher.
• He took lessons from a master calligrapher to improve his handwriting.

This term is used to refer to someone who copies documents by hand, often in historical or religious contexts. It can also refer to an official recorder.

• Medieval scribes played a crucial role in preserving ancient manuscripts.
• The scribe recorded the king's decrees with meticulous accuracy.

This is a general term for someone who writes, whether professionally or as a hobby. It can refer to authors of books, articles, or any other type of written content.

• She is a writer known for her science fiction novels.
• As a writer for the local newspaper, he covers a wide range of topics.

Penman is often used to refer to someone skilled in writing or a person who writes prose or poetry professionally. It can convey a sense of artistry in writing.

• The renowned penman crafted beautiful poems that moved the hearts of many.
• As an accomplished penman, he was hired to write official speeches for the mayor.

Copyist is used for someone who copies documents, manuscripts, or music. This role focuses on reproduction rather than creation.

• During the Renaissance, many musicians relied on copyists to prepare parts for orchestras.
• The copyist painstakingly reproduced the ancient manuscript by hand.

Scrivener is an old-fashioned term for a professional copyist or writer, often linked to legal documents. It can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting a mechanical or uncreative aspect of writing.

• In medieval courts, a scrivener was essential to record the proceedings accurately.
• He worked as a scrivener, transcribing contracts and other legal papers.

Amanuensis is a formal term for someone who writes down what another person dictates, often used in historical or academic contexts. It implies a supportive role rather than original authorship.

• The professor's amanuensis took notes during the lecture.
• In the 19th century, a wealthy businessman might employ an amanuensis to handle all correspondence.