Author Meaning and Definition
Author
Pronunciation
/ˈaʊθər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who writes and publishes original literary, artistic, or musical works, such as books, articles, poems, plays, or songs.
Examples
- The bestselling author has written several novels this year.
- The author of the famous novel is a famous literary figure.
Synonyms
- Writer
- Creator
- Artist
Antonyms
- Reader
- Illustrator
Etymology
The word “author” comes from the Old French term “auctor”, meaning “source” or “cause”.
Additional Information
Authors can create works in various formats, such as books, articles, plays, and songs. They are often associated with creative writing, but also with science, history, and other fields.
Authors may work individually or collaboratively, and often receive royalties or other forms of compensation for their work.
Usage Notes
In formal or academic writing, the term “author” is often used to refer to the person responsible for creating a work, whereas in informal contexts, the term “writer” may be used more liberally.
In certain cases, the term “author” may also refer to the instigator or one who takes credit for an idea or action, as in the phrase “author of one’s own downfall”.
Cultural References
The term “author” has appeared in numerous literary, film, and TV references, such as in the works of authors like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and J.K. Rowling.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To take credit for someone else’s work (literally “to take authorship”).
- The author of one’s own downfall (to cause one’s own failure).
Related Words or Phrases
- Writer
- Creator
- Artist
- Publisher
- Editor
Collocations
- book by an author
- authors’ circle
- author’s rights
Frequency of Use
The term “author” is frequently used in various contexts, including literature, academia, and media.
Common Misspellings
Author