Scrawl vs. Write — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Scrawl" implies writing hurriedly or carelessly, often illegible, while "write" simply refers to the act of composing text in a legible, deliberate manner.
Difference Between Scrawl and Write
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Scrawl" and "write" represent different aspects of the act of composing text. When one scrawls, it often implies a hurried, careless, or clumsy manner of writing, resulting in text that may be hard to read or seem messy. The term "scrawl" conveys a lack of precision and neatness, often used to describe quick notes or graffiti. In contrast, to "write" denotes the more general, methodical act of composing text. It involves forming characters, words, or symbols on a surface, typically in a manner that is orderly and legible. Writing can be done with care, consideration, and intent, allowing for clear communication of ideas and information.
In everyday language, the distinction between "scrawl" and "write" is crucial as it allows for the expression of nuances in the manner of writing. If someone says they scrawled a message, it suggests a sense of haste or lack of clarity, whereas saying they wrote a message typically implies a more neutral or deliberate act. This distinction is important for accurate communication, enabling individuals to convey not just the act of writing but also the manner and quality of it.
In educational and professional settings, understanding the difference between "scrawl" and "write" is vital. A teacher might encourage students to write neatly and avoid scrawling to ensure their work is legible and presentable. Similarly, in professional communication, writing clearly and cohesively is valued, and scrawling can be seen as unprofessional or careless. The proper use of these terms reflects not only the physical act of writing but also considerations of legibility, professionalism, and intent.
"Scrawl" carries connotations of disorder and haste, reflecting not just the physical act but also the state of mind or circumstances under which the writing occurs. It may suggest a rushed, distracted, or nonchalant attitude toward the writing task. In contrast, "write" is a more neutral term, encompassing a wide range of writing styles, purposes, and qualities. It allows for the inclusion of thoughtful, careful writing, where the writer pays attention to form, content, and presentation.
Comparison Chart
Implication
Writing hurriedly, carelessly, often illegibly
Composing text in a legible, deliberate manner
ADVERTISEMENT
Connotation
Lack of precision, neatness
Neutrality, can imply precision and consideration
Usage
Describes quick notes, graffiti, messy writing
Used for any composed text, orderly and legible writing
Importance
To convey haste, lack of clarity or carelessness in writing
To convey clear, orderly, and intentional composition of text
Context
Everyday language, informal situations
All encompassing, suitable for both informal and formal contexts
Compare with Definitions
Scrawl
To write hastily or carelessly.
She scrawled a quick note before leaving.
Write
To form characters, words, or symbols on a surface.
She can write beautifully with a fountain pen.
Scrawl
Implies writing that is often illegible or messy.
His scrawl was so untidy that no one could read it.
Write
To compose text in a deliberate, orderly manner.
He writes his essays with meticulous attention to detail.
Scrawl
To write without concern for readability or neatness.
The child scrawled his name at the bottom of the drawing.
Write
To express thoughts, ideas, or information in written form.
She wrote a comprehensive report on the subject.
Scrawl
To inscribe something in a hurried manner.
She scrawled her signature on the document.
Write
Implies the creation of coherent, legible text.
He wrote a thoughtful letter to his friend.
Scrawl
Often denotes a lack of precision in writing.
The message was a scrawl, hastily written and barely legible.
Write
Can be a methodical, careful act of communication.
The author took time to write a compelling narrative.
Scrawl
Scrawl was an American indie rock trio based in Columbus, Ohio, and active from the mid-1980s.
Write
Mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, typically paper, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement
Alice wrote down the address
He wrote his name on the paper
He wrote very neatly in blue ink
Scrawl
To write hastily or sloppily.
Write
Compose, write, and send (a letter) to someone
I wrote him a short letter
Eleanor wrote to her sister Laura in Paris
I wrote a letter to Alison
He wrote almost every day
Scrawl
To write something in a hasty or sloppy manner.
Write
Compose (a text or work) for written or printed reproduction or publication; put into literary form and set down in writing
She wrote a bestselling novel
He wrote under a pseudonym
I didn't know you wrote poetry
He had written about the beauty of Andalusia
Scrawl
Sloppy, often illegible handwriting.
Write
Enter (data) into a specified storage medium or location in store
Files can be read and written directly into the file system
Scrawl
Something, such as a note, written hastily or sloppily.
Write
Underwrite (an insurance policy).
Scrawl
Irregular, possibly illegible handwriting.
Write
To form (letters, words, or symbols) on a surface such as paper with an instrument such as a pen.
Scrawl
A hastily or carelessly written note etc.
Write
To form (letters or words) in cursive style, especially in contrast to printing by hand.
Scrawl
Writing that lacks literary merit.
Write
To spell
How do you write your name?.
Scrawl
A broken branch of a tree.
Write
To fill (an amount of space) with words or information
Wrote five pages in an hour.
Scrawl
(uncommon) The young of the dog-crab.
Write
To put written information in the blank spaces of (a check, form, or similar document).
Scrawl
(transitive) To write something hastily or illegibly.
She scrawled the main points onto her notepad
Write
To produce or compose (text) in a recorded form that can be read
Write a poem.
Write a letter.
Scrawl
(intransitive) To write in an irregular or illegible manner.
Write
To express in writing; set down
Write one's thoughts.
Scrawl
(intransitive) To write unskilfully and inelegantly.
Write
To communicate by writing, especially by written letter
She wrote that she was planning to visit.
Scrawl
To creep; crawl; (by extension) to swarm with crawling things
Write
To communicate with (someone) by writing, especially by letter
Wrote me to tell me she had moved again.
Scrawl
See Crawl.
Write
To compose (a musical work).
Scrawl
To draw or mark awkwardly and irregularly; to write hastily and carelessly; to scratch; to scribble; as, to scrawl a letter.
His name, scrawled by himself.
Write
To underwrite, as an insurance policy.
Scrawl
To write unskillfully and inelegantly.
Though with a golden pen you scrawl.
Write
To compose in legal form; draft
Write a will.
Scrawl
Unskillful or inelegant writing; that which is unskillfully or inelegantly written.
The left hand will make such a scrawl, that it will not be legible.
You bid me write no more than a scrawl to you.
Write
To indicate; mark
"Utter dejection was written on every face" (Winston S. Churchill).
Scrawl
Poor handwriting
Write
To ordain or prophesy
It was written that the empire would fall.
Scrawl
Write carelessly
Write
(Computers) To transfer or copy (information) from memory to a storage device or output device.
Write
To trace or form letters, words, or symbols on paper or another surface
People who cannot read or write.
Write
To produce written material, such as articles or books
She wrote for most of her adult life.
Write
To compose a letter, email, or other written communication
Please write while you are away.
Write
(ambitransitive) To form letters, words or symbols on a surface in order to communicate.
The pupil wrote his name on the paper.
Your son has been writing on the wall.
Write
(transitive) To be the author of (a book, article, poem, etc.).
My uncle writes newspaper articles for The Herald.
Write
(transitive) To send written information to.
(UK) Please write to me when you get there.
(US) Please write me when you get there.
Write
(transitive) To show (information, etc) in written form.
The due day of the homework is written in the syllabus.
Write
To convey a fact to someone via writing.
Jimmy wrote me that he needs more money.
Write
(intransitive) To be an author.
I write for a living.
Write
To record data mechanically or electronically.
The computer writes to the disk faster than it reads from it.
Write
To fill in, to complete using words.
I was very anxious to know my score after I wrote the test.
Write
To impress durably; to imprint; to engrave.
Truth written on the heart
Write
To make known by writing; to record; to prove by one's own written testimony; often used reflexively.
Write
(finance) To sell (an option or other derivative).
Write
To paint a religious icon.
Write
The act or style of writing.
Write
(computing) The operation of storing data, as in memory or onto disk.
How many writes per second can this hard disk handle?
Write
To set down, as legible characters; to form the conveyance of meaning; to inscribe on any material by a suitable instrument; as, to write the characters called letters; to write figures.
Write
To set down for reading; to express in legible or intelligible characters; to inscribe; as, to write a deed; to write a bill of divorcement; hence, specifically, to set down in an epistle; to communicate by letter.
Last night she enjoined me to write some lines to one she loves.
I chose to write the thing I durst not speakTo her I loved.
Write
Hence, to compose or produce, as an author.
I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time within the memory of men still living.
Write
To impress durably; to imprint; to engrave; as, truth written on the heart.
Write
To make known by writing; to record; to prove by one's own written testimony; - often used reflexively.
He who writes himself by his own inscription is like an ill painter, who, by writing on a shapeless picture which he hath drawn, is fain to tell passengers what shape it is, which else no man could imagine.
Write
To form characters, letters, or figures, as representative of sounds or ideas; to express words and sentences by written signs.
So it stead you, I will write,Please you command.
Write
To be regularly employed or occupied in writing, copying, or accounting; to act as clerk or amanuensis; as, he writes in one of the public offices.
Write
To frame or combine ideas, and express them in written words; to play the author; to recite or relate in books; to compose.
They can write up to the dignity and character of the authors.
Write
To compose or send letters.
He wrote for all the Jews that went out of his realm up into Jewry concerning their freedom.
Write
Produce a literary work;
She composed a poem
He wrote four novels
Write
Communicate or express by writing;
Please write to me every week
Write
Have (one's written work) issued for publication;
How many books did Georges Simenon write?
She published 25 books during her long career
Write
Communicate (with) in writing;
Write her soon, please!
Write
Communicate by letter;
He wrote that he would be coming soon
Write
Write music;
Beethoven composed nine symphonies
Write
Mark or trace on a surface;
The artist wrote Chinese characters on a big piece of white paper
Write
Record data on a computer;
Boot-up instructions are written on the hard disk
Write
Write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word);
He spelled the word wrong in this letter
Common Curiosities
What does "scrawl" typically imply about writing style?
"Scrawl" typically implies a hurried, careless, or clumsy manner of writing, often resulting in illegible or messy text.
What does it mean to "write"?
To "write" means to compose text, forming characters, words, or symbols on a surface in a deliberate and orderly manner.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Explore vs. Research
Next Comparison
River vs. ValleyAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
