written

Written is the past participle and adjective of the verb write. It denotes something that has been produced in written form or exists as a written record, as opposed to spoken or signed forms. Written can describe documents, language, instructions, or records that are recorded with written characters.

Etymology and form: Written derives from the Old English verb for writing, related to the broader family of Germanic words for inscribing or marking. The form signifies completion or embodiment in written text, not merely the act of writing.

Grammatical use: As a participle, written appears in perfect tenses (has written, had written) and in passive constructions (The letter was written yesterday). As an adjective, it modifies nouns (written instructions, written instructions) and can be used predicatively (The contract is written). The term is often contrasted with unwritten or spoken forms, and it commonl y pairs with handwritten to emphasize manual creation.

Contexts and meaning: Written is central to the distinction between written and spoken language, between recording information versus oral communication. In law, business, and governance, written forms such as written consent, written contracts, and written notices carry formal significance. In linguistics and literacy studies, written language encompasses orthography, punctuation, and typography as the visible representation of a language.

Examples: The manuscript was written in the 17th century. The contract requires written consent. She has written several novels.

See also: writing, script, orthography, literacy, handwritten.