Escrit

Escrit is a term used in Catalan and related Romance languages to refer to writing or a written text. In contemporary Catalan, the verb escriure means “to write,” and the participle escrit denotes something that has been written. As a noun, l’escrit commonly denotes a written document, contract, or manuscript, especially in legal, administrative, or archival contexts.

Etymology traces escrit to the Latin scriptum, the passive participle of scribere “to write.” This root is shared among many Romance languages, yielding Spanish escrito, French écrit, Italian scritto, and related forms in other languages. The connection reflects the long colonial and legal tradition of using written instruments to formalize transactions, agreements, and records.

Usage and emphasis of the noun can vary by context. In historical or archival prose, an escrits or l’escrit may refer to a deed, will, or other formal document that establishes rights or obligations. In modern everyday Catalan, escrit as “written text” is understood but the more common word for a document may be escript or document depending on the context. The term also appears in paleographic and manuscript studies where researchers discuss the physical features of a document and its script.

Cross-linguistic cognates highlight the shared heritage of the concept of writing. The root underpins terms for “written” and “text” across Romance languages, reflecting a common legal and administrative tradition centered on signed, written instruments.