Writer: meaning, definitions and examples

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writer

 

[ ˈraɪtər ]

Context #1 | Noun

professional

A person who writes books, stories, or articles as a job or regular occupation.

Synonyms

author, novelist, scribe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
writer

General term for anyone who writes, whether it's articles, books, or any other form of writing.

  • She always wanted to be a writer and publish her own books.
  • The writer worked late into the night to meet the deadline.
author

Specifically used for someone who has written a book or any significant piece of work. It often implies the published status of the work.

  • He is the author of several bestselling novels.
  • The author gave a talk about her new book at the library.
novelist

Refers to someone who writes novels, often implying a focus on fiction and storytelling.

  • Jane Austen is a famous English novelist.
  • As a novelist, he spends a lot of time developing his characters and plots.
scribe

An older term that originally referred to someone who copied manuscripts by hand. Now it can imply someone who writes as part of a formal or historical process.

  • In ancient Egypt, a scribe had an important role in society.
  • The scribe carefully documented the events of the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • The famous writer just released a new novel.
  • She is a talented writer who has won multiple awards for her work.
Context #2 | Noun

creative

A person who has the skill and ability to create written works, such as poems or scripts.

Synonyms

playwright, poet, wordsmith.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
writer

A general term for someone who produces written content. This could include articles, books, essays, blog posts, and other forms of writing.

  • She is a writer for a travel magazine
  • He wants to become a writer and publish novels
poet

A person who writes poems. This term is used in the context of writing that focuses on rhyme, meter, and expressive use of language.

  • Emily Dickinson is a well-known American poet
  • The poet recited his latest work at the coffeehouse
playwright

Specifically refers to someone who writes plays. This word is used mainly in the context of theater and drama.

  • William Shakespeare is one of the most famous playwrights in history
  • The playwright's new work will premiere next month
wordsmith

Informally used to describe someone who is particularly skilled at crafting words, often with creativity and flair. This can apply to various types of writers.

  • He is a true wordsmith, fascinating readers with every sentence
  • As a wordsmith, she has a unique way of making even mundane topics interesting

Examples of usage

  • As a writer, he enjoys exploring different genres and styles.
  • She is known for her vivid imagination and storytelling as a writer.
Context #3 | Noun

non-fiction

A person who specializes in producing factual or informative content, such as articles or reports.

Synonyms

columnist, journalist, reporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
writer

A 'writer' refers to anyone who writes, whether it be books, articles, scripts, or other forms of written content. This is a broad term and can apply to a variety of contexts.

  • He is a talented writer who has published several novels.
  • She works as a freelance writer, contributing to various magazines and websites.
journalist

A 'journalist' is a professional who gathers, writes, and reports news for newspapers, magazines, television, or online media. This term emphasizes the responsibility of delivering accurate and timely information.

  • He worked as a journalist for over 10 years, covering major international events.
  • As a journalist, she is committed to uncovering the truth and reporting on important issues.
reporter

A 'reporter' is someone who researches and presents news stories. This term is often used for those who work in the field, gathering information firsthand and reporting it back to the public.

  • The reporter was live on the scene, giving updates on the hurricane's impact.
  • She started her career as a local news reporter and now works for a national network.
columnist

A 'columnist' is someone who writes a regular column for a newspaper or magazine, often offering opinions, insights, or commentary on a specific topic.

  • The columnist writes a weekly piece on current political events.
  • She gained popularity as a food columnist for the local newspaper.

Examples of usage

  • The investigative journalist is a respected writer in the field of politics.
  • She is a freelance writer who contributes to various magazines and websites.

Translations

Translations of the word "writer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escritor

🇮🇳 लेखक

🇩🇪 Schriftsteller

🇮🇩 penulis

🇺🇦 письменник

🇵🇱 pisarz

🇯🇵 作家 (さっか)

🇫🇷 écrivain

🇪🇸 escritor

🇹🇷 yazar

🇰🇷 작가 (jakga)

🇸🇦 كاتب (kātib)

🇨🇿 spisovatel

🇸🇰 spisovateľ

🇨🇳 作家 (zuòjiā)

🇸🇮 pisatelj

🇮🇸 rithöfundur

🇰🇿 жазушы

🇬🇪 მწერალი (mts'erali)

🇦🇿 yazıçı

🇲🇽 escritor

Etymology

The word 'writer' originated from the Old English word 'writan', meaning 'to score, outline, draw the figure of'. Over time, it evolved to refer to someone who creates written works. Writers have played a crucial role in shaping literature and capturing the essence of human experiences through words.

See also: overwrite, rewrite, underwrite, underwriter, writ, write, writers, writing, written.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,646, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.