indites

Indite is a verb meaning to write or compose, especially a poem or formal prose. The form indites is the third‑person singular present tense, as in “The bard indites verses at dawn.” The word is generally considered archaic or literary in contemporary English and is most often encountered in historical texts, poetry, or stylistic writing.

Usage and nuance

Indite tends to emphasize the act of creation or crafting of written works, rather than simple plain writing. It carries a sense of artistry or formal diction and is less common in everyday speech. In modern prose, writers may use indite to evoke an antiquated or poetic tone.

Forms and grammar

The verb follows regular inflection: present indites, present participle inditing, past tense indited, and past participle indited. For example: “She indites a letter,” “He is inditing a new ballad,” “She indited several stanzas yesterday.”

Etymology and status

Etymology is traced to Middle English with possible influences from Old French, but the exact lineage is uncertain. Today indite is primarily found in literary, historical, or ceremonial contexts and is rarely used outside those spheres.

Distinctions

Do not confuse indite with indict. Indict means to formally accuse someone of a crime, a legal term with a different origin and meaning. Despite the similar spelling, the two words are unrelated in modern usage.

See also

Compose, write, pen, indict, archaism.