written
UK: ˈrɪt(ə)n | US: ˈrɪt(ə)n
adj. 1. Expressed in writing; recorded on paper or digitally.
adj. 2. (of a language or exam) Involving writing as opposed to speech.
v. Past participle of "write."
The word "written" originates from Old English "writan," meaning "to score, outline, or write," which itself traces back to Proto-Germanic *writaną ("to tear, carve"). The "-en" suffix marks it as a past participle, a common Germanic verb form. Over time, "write" evolved from physical carving (e.g., runes) to abstract writing, while "-en" solidified its grammatical role in forming perfect tenses (e.g., "has written").
The rules are clearly written in the handbook.
She handed in a beautifully written essay.
Ancient civilizations left written records on stone tablets.
The exam tests both spoken and written French.
The contract must be signed and written in duplicate.