Indite
/ɪnˈdaɪt/noun
To compose or write, especially in a formal or literary way.
Did you know?Indite is historically linked to the same Latin root as *dictate* and *dictionary*—a reminder that writing once carried the force of spoken command, not just creativity.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
dictāre
“to say repeatedly; to prescribe or dictate”
Late Latin
Latin
indictāre
“to proclaim, declare, or charge formally”
Old French
Old French
inditer
“to compose or write down”
Middle English
English
inditen
“to write, compose, or compose formally”
Modern English
English
indite
“to compose text, especially in a formal or literary style”
Explore more surprising origins