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DictionaryauthorWriting
noun / verb

author

AW-ther/ˈɔːθər/

To originate a written work or plan.

The author writes a manuscript beside a bound draft of the work.

An author writes a manuscript beside a bound draft, with abstract writing marks rather than readable prose.
Etymology
authLatinincrease, cause to grow
+orLatinone who

An author was etymologically “one who causes to grow,” hence a producer or creator. The writing sense applies that broader idea of originating something to the person who creates a text.

In context

British Library19:00
i know of no other book in the autobiographical line that allows so much room for voices and views that are not the author's own
The Arrival of the Poet in the Library - A Celebration of Christopher Logue

More examples

  • She authored the proposal for a new community center.
  • The report's authors defended their conclusions.
  • He is authoring a guide to local architecture.

Forms

author · authors · authored · authoring

authorship noun — The creation or attribution of a written work.

Similar words

writer
May produce text without originating an entire work or plan.
creator
Includes originating things beyond written works and proposals.