Writing is the representation of language in a textual medium through the use of a set of signs or symbols (known as a writing system). It is distinguished from illustration, such as cave drawing and painting, and non-symbolic preservation of language via non-textual media, such as magnetic tape audio.

Writing most likely began as a consequence of political expansion in ancient cultures, which needed reliable means for transmitting information, maintaining financial accounts, keeping historical records, and similar activities. Around the 4th millennium BC, the complexity of trade and administration in Mesopotamia outgrew human memory, and writing became a more dependable method of recording and presenting transactions in a permanent form. In both Ancient Egypt and Mesoamerica writing may have evolved through calendrics and a political necessity for recording historical and environmental events. The oldest known use of writing in China was in divination in the royal court.

Verb

writing

1. Present participle of write.

Noun

writing (countable and uncountable; plural writings)

Writing

1. (uncountable) Graphism of symbols such as letters that express some meaning.
2. (uncountable) Something written, such as a document, article or book.
3. (uncountable) The process of representing a language with symbols or letters.
4. (countable) A work of an author.
5. (countable) The style of writing of a person.

   I can't read your writing.

6. (as a modifier) Intended for or used in writing.

   a writing table

Writing is the representation of language in a textual medium through the use of a set of signs or symbols (known as a writing system). It is distinguished from illustration, such as cave drawing and painting, and the recording of language via a non-textual medium such as magnetic tape audio.

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