author
n. · v.-
1 writer of a book (n.) A2 Elementary General-servicethe person who wrote a specific book, article, or story.
the individual responsible for the creation of a literary, scientific, or artistic work.
ExampleShe is the author of several popular children's books.
ExampleThe author spent three years researching the historical context of the novel before writing the first chapter.
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the work created.
Teacher's tipIn academic contexts, 'author' is preferred over 'writer' for its sense of authority and ownership.
PitfallWho is the writer of this book?Who is the author of this book?While 'writer' is okay, 'author' is the standard word when talking about the person who created a specific published work.
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2 originator of an idea (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formalthe person who starts or causes something to happen.
the originator, instigator, or primary cause of a plan, event, or situation.
ExampleHe was the author of the company's new success.
ExampleHistorians still debate who was the true author of the peace treaty that ended the decade-long conflict.
UsageOften used metaphorically to describe someone who designs a complex plan or policy.
Teacher's tipThis sense is more abstract and formal than the literary sense.
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3 to write or create (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Formalto write a book, report, or document.
to be the author of a work; to write or originate a document or plan.
ExampleThe professor has authored many papers on climate change.
ExampleThe committee members collectively authored the final report, ensuring that every department's concerns were addressed.
UsageA transitive verb that always takes a direct object.
Teacher's tipSome traditionalists dislike 'author' as a verb, but it is standard in academic and professional English.
From Middle English auctour, from Anglo-Norman autour, from Old French autor, from Latin auctor, from augeō (“to increase, originate”). The h, also found in Middle French autheur, is unetymological as there is no h in the original Latin spelling. The OED attributes the h to contamination by authentic. Doublet of auteur.