Langimage
English

penning

|pen/ning|

B2

/ˈpɛnɪŋ/

(pen)

writing tool

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
penpenspenspennedpennedpenning
Etymology
Etymology Information

'pen' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'penn,' where 'penn' meant 'enclosure or fold.'

Historical Evolution

'penn' transformed into the Middle English word 'penne,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pen.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'enclosure,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'to write or compose.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

present participle of 'pen', meaning to write or compose.

She is penning a letter to her friend.

Synonyms

Verb 2

present participle of 'pen', meaning to confine or enclose in a pen.

The farmer is penning the sheep for the night.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/21 06:20