text

[ tekst ]

noun

1. the main body of matter in a manuscript, book, newspaper, etc., as distinguished from notes, appendixes, headings, illustrations, etc.
2. the original words of an author or speaker, as opposed to a translation, paraphrase, commentary, or the like:

   The newspaper published the whole text of the speech.

3. the actual wording of anything written or printed:

   You have not kept to the text of my remarks.

4. any of the various forms in which a writing exists:

   The text is a medieval transcription.

5. the wording adopted by an editor as representing the original words of an author:

   the authoritative text of Catullus.

6. any theme or topic; subject.
7. the words of a song or the like.
8. a textbook.
9. a short passage of Scripture, especially one chosen in proof of a doctrine or as the subject of a sermon:

   The text he chose was the Sermon on the Mount.

10. the letter of the Holy Scripture, or the Scriptures themselves.
11. Printing.
    1. black letter.
    2. type, as distinguished from illustrations, margins, etc.
12. Linguistics. a unit of connected speech or writing, especially composed of more than one sentence, that forms a cohesive whole.
13. anything considered to be a subject for analysis by or as if by methods of literary criticism.
14. Digital Technology. a text message.

verb (used without object)

, Digital Technology.

1. to send a text message:

   Texting while driving is an accident asking to happen.

verb (used with object)

, Digital Technology.

1. to send a text message about or containing: Compare instant message ( def 2 ).

   He texted congratulations to his niece on her new job.

2. to send a text message to:

   The only way I can ever reach her is to text her.

text

/ tɛkst /

noun

1. the main body of a printed or written work as distinct from commentary, notes, illustrations, etc
2. the words of something printed or written
3. often plural a book prescribed as part of a course of study
4. computing the words printed, written, or displayed on a visual display unit
5. the original exact wording of a work, esp the Bible, as distinct from a revision or translation
6. a short passage of the Bible used as a starting point for a sermon or adduced as proof of a doctrine
7. the topic or subject of a discussion or work
8. printing any one of several styles of letters or types
9. short for textbook
10. short for text message

verb

1. to send a text message from a mobile phone

Derived Forms

• ˈtextless, adjective

Other Words From

• textless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of text¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Medieval Latin textus “text, terms,” Latin: “text, structure,” originally, “pattern of weaving, texture (of cloth),” equivalent to tex(ere) “to weave” + -tus suffix of verbal action

Word History and Origins

Origin of text¹

C14: from Medieval Latin textus version, from Latin textus texture, from texere to compose

Example Sentences

The text arrived midday, saying a delivery to me was on hold.

From Los Angeles Times

His new book, “Feed the Planet,” with text by Joel K. Bourne Jr., features the voluminous results: some 300 photos, most of them aerial, depicting a staggering variety of food production across 40 countries.

From New York Times

In text messages before the deal, they discussed recent deaths caused by fake or laced pills, court records showed:

From Los Angeles Times

While at the Corn Exchange pub, Jeff was said to have had a text exchange with his mum, Sandy Duncan, who urged him to turn himself into the police.

From BBC

Forty-five minutes later she texted with her husband from the banquet.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• content
• document
• idea
• paragraph
• passage
• quotation
• theme
• verse
• wording

More About Text

What is a basic definition of text?

Text is the exact, original words written by an author. Text is also a specific work as written by the original author. Text is also commonly used to refer to a text message or to send a text message. Text has several other senses as a noun.

Text refers to the actual words written in a book, newspaper, blog post, or any other written work. Pictures, charts, and other images are not text. When you read something, you are looking at text and using your language skills to get meaning out of it. Something that doesn’t contain any text is textless.

Real-life examples: Books, newspapers, and magazines all contain a lot of text. Even picture books or art books might have text to describe the images.

Used in a sentence: The news editor broke up the large amount of text by putting charts and photographs between paragraphs. 

Related to this sense, text refers to specific written works as they were created by the original author. For example, if your teacher asks you to consult the text of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven,” they want you to read the exact words of the poem that Poe wrote rather than a synopsis or a translation by a different writer.

Used in a sentence: I think most people would find the Lord of the Rings movies more exciting than the original text. 

Text also refers to a text message, an electronic message sent by mobile devices and some computer apps.

Real-life examples: If you own a smartphone, you probably send and receive texts almost every day. Your friends, family, and cellphone company are all likely to send you texts.

Used in a sentence: My sister sent me a text about the $10 I owe her. 

Text also means to send a text message.

Used in a sentence: She spends a lot of time texting her friends.

Where does text come from?

The first records of text come from the early 1300s. It ultimately comes from the Latin textus, meaning “texture” (of cloth). Textus comes from the Latin verb texere, meaning “to weave.” The word textile also comes from texere.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to text?

• textless (adjective)

What are some synonyms for text?

• content
• document
• wording
• passage
• paragraph
• verse

What are some words that share a root or word element with text? 

• textile
• textual
• text message
• text editor
• textbook

What are some words that often get used in discussing text?

• religious
• scientific
• medieval
• original

How is text used in real life?

Text is a common word that often refers to written words or things that contain a lot of writing. Text also very often refers to text messaging.

I need audible conversation. Too much text and I’m numb, I prefer to hear a voice.

— Rob Hill Sr. (@RobHillSr) February 22, 2020

A House committee released the text of $900 billion in pandemic relief and $1.4 trillion in government funding just hours before lawmakers are supposed to begin voting on the combined bill.

— Shehzad Younis (@shehzadyounis) December 21, 2020

I drove 20 miles to deliver a six-roll pack of toilet paper to a friend. He had me throw it over his fence. When he saw the toilet paper, he sent me a text saying “you saved us!” The world is super weird right now.

— Andrew Reiner (@Andrew_Reiner) April 20, 2020

 

 

Try using text!

Is text used correctly in the following sentence?

Many fans felt the film adaptation strayed too far from the author’s original text.