authorship
UK: ˈɔːθəʃɪp | US: ˈɔːθərʃɪp
n. the state or fact of being the writer of a book, article, or document
n. the profession or activity of writing books or articles
n. the origin or source of a creative work (e.g., "the authorship of the theory is disputed")
The word "authorship" combines "author," derived from the Latin auctor (meaning "originator" or "promoter"), with the suffix "-ship," from Old English -scipe (denoting a state or quality). The Latin auctor itself traces back to augere ("to increase" or "create"), reflecting the idea of an author as a creator. The suffix "-ship" evolved to abstract nouns indicating roles or relationships (e.g., "friendship," "leadership"). Thus, "authorship" literally means "the state of being an author" or "the act of creating written works."
The authorship of the novel was initially anonymous.
She pursued authorship as a full-time career after her first book’s success.
Scholars debate the authorship of several Shakespearean plays.
His distinctive style made the authorship of the article easily recognizable.
The museum exhibit highlighted the authorship of rare medieval manuscripts.