Etymological root

scribere

Latin

to write

Forms to recognize: scrībō, scrībere, scrīptum

The Latin forms scrībere and scrīptum help connect the spellings scrib and script. Describe can now refer to spoken words, and a manuscript can be typed. Subscribe once concerned signing below a document; its modern uses include receiving a publication and agreeing with an idea. Learn the historical writing connection alongside these broader meanings.

Learn this word family

describe
To say what someone or something is like using words.

Please describe the missing suitcase to the station attendant.
prescribe
To officially tell a patient to use a particular medicine or treatment.

The doctor may prescribe a different treatment after reviewing the test results.
subscribe
to arrange to receive something regularly, or to express agreement

I subscribe to the museum's monthly journal to follow its new discoveries.
manuscript
A written or typed version of a book or article before it is published.

The editor returned the manuscript with suggestions for a clearer opening chapter.
inscription
Words carved or engraved on something such as a stone, coin, or monument.

The inscription on the bronze plaque records the names of the rescue crew.

# scribere

**Type:** Etymological root
**Language:** Latin
**Slug:** scribere

## Meanings
1. to write

## Variants
- scrībō
- scrībere
- scrīptum

## Notes
The Latin forms scrībere and scrīptum help connect the spellings scrib and script. Describe can now refer to spoken words, and a manuscript can be typed. Subscribe once concerned signing below a document; its modern uses include receiving a publication and agreeing with an idea. Learn the historical writing connection alongside these broader meanings.

## Learn This Word Family
- describe: Please describe the missing suitcase to the station attendant.
- prescribe: The doctor may prescribe a different treatment after reviewing the test results.
- subscribe: I subscribe to the museum's monthly journal to follow its new discoveries.
- manuscript: The editor returned the manuscript with suggestions for a clearer opening chapter.
- inscription: The inscription on the bronze plaque records the names of the rescue crew.

## Words From This Root
- describe - To say what someone or something is like using words.
- manuscript - A written or typed version of a book or article before it is published.
- inscription - Words carved or engraved on something such as a stone, coin, or monument.
- prescribe - To officially tell a patient to use a particular medicine or treatment.
- subscribe - to arrange to receive something regularly, or to express agreement
- scribe - a person who copies documents, especially before printing
- circumscribe - to restrict within limits; to draw a line around
- rescript - an official edict or written answer from an authority
- ascribe - to attribute something to a cause, source, or author
- describable - capable of being described in words
- prescriptionist - one who advocates strict rules of correct usage, especially in language
- proscript - a person who has been outlawed or condemned by proscription
- proscriptive - tending to forbid, prohibit, or denounce something
- scrip - a provisional certificate or token issued in place of money or stock

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