Definition

Noun: 1. A body of words expressed in written form: This refers to any sequence of words or symbols that have been recorded using a writing system (e.g., alphabet, characters). It is the physical or digital representation of language, distinct from spoken words or abstract ideas. 2. A specific written work or passage: This can refer to a particular document, book, article, or excerpt that exists in written form.

Examples of Usage

• General written material:
  • The study analyzed the written text of legal contracts from the 19th century.
  • Please submit your essay as a written text document, not an audio file.
• A specific copied or transcribed work:
  • The secretary prepared a written text of the manager's verbal instructions.
  • This written text is a transcription of the ancient oral poem.

Advanced Usage

• In linguistics and discourse analysis: "Written text" is often studied for its structural, grammatical, and stylistic features, contrasting with "spoken discourse."
  • The research compares the complexity of sentences in spoken dialogue versus written text.
• In computing and digital humanities: Refers to data in a character-encoded format that can be processed, searched, and analyzed by machines.
  • The algorithm scans the written text to identify key themes and sentiments.

Variants and Related Words

• Text (n): A more common and general synonym for "written text," often used interchangeably. It can also refer specifically to the main body of a book or to a textbook.
• Transcript (n): A written or printed version of material originally presented in another medium, especially speech. This aligns closely with the "copied from one medium to another" aspect of the definition.
• Manuscript (n): A handwritten or typed document, especially an author's draft before publication.
• Document (n): A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence.

Synonyms

• Writing
• Script
• Copy (in the context of transcribed material)

Related Phrases

• Textual analysis: The methodical examination and interpretation of a written text.
• Source text: The original written text from which a translation or summary is made.
• Plain text: Digital text that contains no formatting (like bold or italics), only the characters themselves.

Noun

1. something written, especially copied from one medium to another, as a typewritten version of dictation