start writing; begin composing (literary works); first writing of the year
Meanings
3 senses · 10 examplesverb
(old usage) to begin learning to compose poetry or prose
archaicHistorically refers to a child's initiation into formal literary composition.
He began learning to compose at age eight and was able to complete full pieces by nine.
For ancient scholars, the initiation into writing was an important ritual in their studies.
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His first literary composition was highly praised by his master.
verb
(old usage) to write the first characters of the new year
archaicA traditional custom where one writes auspicious phrases at the beginning of the Lunar New Year.
When writing the first characters of the new year, one should write auspicious phrases.
According to custom, one performs the first writing of the year on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
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His first writing of the new year was a couplet.
verb
to start writing a specific book or article
Modern, neutral usage for beginning the composition of a specific written work.
He only started writing this novel last winter.
The beginning part of a thesis is always the hardest.
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He plans to start writing that biography next month.
He did a lot of research before starting to write.