Broadly:
* The act of creating text: This includes anything from scribbling down a grocery list to composing a novel.
* The process of communicating ideas in a structured form: This emphasizes the purpose of writing, which is to convey information, thoughts, or emotions.
More specifically:
* The process of using symbols (letters, characters) to represent spoken language: This is the traditional definition, focusing on the technical aspect of writing.
* A form of artistic expression: Writing can be used to create stories, poems, plays, and other works of art.
* A tool for learning and understanding: Writing helps us organize our thoughts, develop critical thinking skills, and retain information.
In the context of different disciplines:
* Academic writing: Follows specific conventions and aims to present research findings or scholarly arguments.
* Journalistic writing: Focuses on reporting news and information in a factual and objective way.
* Creative writing: Emphasizes imagination and original storytelling.
* Technical writing: Aims to convey information about a specific subject in a clear and concise manner.
Ultimately, the definition of writing depends on the individual and the context. However, it always involves the creation of text using symbols to communicate ideas, thoughts, or emotions.