author
author
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "author" is /ˈɔːθər/.
First syllable (/ˈɔː/):
/ɔː/: A long "aw" sound, similar to the "o" in "lord" or "dawn."
Second syllable (/θər/):
/θ/: A voiceless "th" sound, as in "think" or "bath."
/ər/: A weak "er" sound, like the "er" in "teacher" or "butter."
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: author
Plural Noun: authors
Verb (base form): author
Verb (third-person singular present): authors
Verb (present participle): authoring
Verb (past tense/past participle): authored
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A person who has written a book, play, poem, or other literary work.
Synonyms: writer, wordsmith, scribe, creator, composer
Antonyms: reader, audience, public
Definition 2: The originator or creator of an idea, plan, or action.
Synonyms: originator, founder, architect, instigator, designer
Antonyms: follower, imitator, copier, destroyer
Verb
Definition 1: To write or create a book, article, or other written work.
Synonyms: write, compose, pen, indite, draft
Antonyms: edit, illustrate, publish, critique (these are related actions, but not direct antonyms for the act of creation itself)
Definition 2: To be the originator or creator of something, such as a plan or initiative.
Synonyms: originate, create, conceive, devise, engineer
Antonyms: destroy, dismantle, negate, undo
Examples of Use
Books:
"The author of One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature." (October 1982)
"In her latest novel, the author explores themes of identity and belonging."
Newspapers:
"Local author to host book signing at downtown bookstore." ( The Daily Gazette)
"Columnist urges readers to consider the author's intent behind the controversial article."
Online Publications:
"Understanding the author's bias is crucial when evaluating online news sources." ( Poynter Institute)
"This blog post was authored by a guest contributor with expertise in sustainable living."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Quentin Tarantino is the acclaimed author of screenplays for films like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill."
Television: "The showrunner acts as the primary author of the series' overarching narrative."
Video Games: "Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creative author behind Dark Souls, is renowned for his challenging game design."
Music: "While often performed by others, Bob Dylan is the undisputed author of many iconic protest songs."
Podcasts: "In this episode, we interview the author of a new true-crime podcast about a cold case."
General Public Discourse:
"Who's the author of that brilliant idea?"
"She's trying to author a new policy that will benefit local businesses."
"He's known as the author of several successful community initiatives."
10 Quotes Using Author
"A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author." (G.K. Chesterton)
"Almost anyone can be an author; the business is to collect money and fame from this state of being." (A.A. Milne)
"The scariest moment is always just before you start." — Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. This quote often refers to the author's fear before beginning.
"Across the millennia, the author is speaking, clearly and silently, inside your head, directly to you." (Carl Sagan)
"A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people." (Thomas Mann). This speaks to the author's unique struggle.
"When a book leaves its author's desk it changes." (Salman Rushdie)
"I never saw an author who was aware that there is any dimensional difference between a fact and a surmise." (Mark Twain)
"An author values a compliment even when it comes from a source of doubtful competency." (Mark Twain)
"What I like in a good author is not what he says, but what he whispers." (Logan Pearsall Smith)
"The trade of authorship is a violent, and indestructible obsession." (George Sand)
Etymology
The word "author" has a rich history that goes back to ancient Latin.
It comes from the Latin word "auctor," which had a broader meaning than our "author" today. "Auctor" could refer to an originator, promoter, founder, or even someone who authorized or approved something. It also meant a person with authority or someone who had weight or influence.
This Latin word then made its way into Old French as "autor" or "auctour," still carrying meanings like "originator" or "creator." From Old French, it entered Middle English (between 1150 and 1500 AD).
The first known use of "author" in English, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, dates back to before 1382, specifically in a version of the Bible. At that time, its primary meaning was "the writer of a book or other work." It was also understood as a "source of authoritative information or opinion," though that sense is now pretty old-fashioned.
Interestingly, the "h" in "author" wasn't originally there. It was added in English around the early 15th century, and really took hold in the 16th century. This was likely because people mistakenly associated "author" with words like "authentic," which also came from Greek roots and had a "th" sound. So, the "h" just kind of snuck in!
In simple terms, "author" started as someone who created or caused something, then narrowed down to specifically refer to someone who writes or composes a written work, while still holding a subtle connection to the idea of authority or origination.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Author
Author, author! (A common cry from an audience requesting the presence of a writer after a performance or reading.)
To author a bill/law: To be the person who proposes and drafts legislation.
To author a policy: To create and be responsible for a particular set of rules or guidelines.
The author of one's own misfortune: To be responsible for your own problems.
The author of a theory: The person who originated a particular idea or principle.
The author of the universe: A theological term referring to God as the creator.
Ghost author: A writer who writes books, articles, or stories for another person who is then credited as the author.
To put pen to paper (similar to authoring): To begin writing.
Wordsmith at work (describing someone who is an effective author): A person skilled with words, often in the act of writing.
Spin a yarn (similar to authoring a story): To tell a long, often elaborate, story.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of author from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
