script
gb/skɹˈɪpt/ us/skɹˈɪpt/
B1
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Written words for a performance
The words and directions written for a play, movie, or TV show.
Usage pattern:
read [the] script
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'script' with 'screenplay' or 'scenario'; 'script' is more general and applies to any written performance text.
Synonyms
screenplay (Usually refers specifically to the script for a film, often with more technical formatting.)
Antonyms
improvisation (Performing without a prepared text.)
Collocations
read a script
|write a script
|film script
|script writer
|follow the script
Themes
entertainment
|media
|writing
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- The actors spent weeks rehearsing the script before filming began.
- She wrote the script for a popular television series.
- He forgot his lines and had to glance at the script.
- The director made several changes to the script during production.
Learner examples
- I read the script before we started acting.
- She is writing a script for her school play.
- The actor learned his script very well.
- We will follow the script for the show.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
Code for computer automation
A set of written computer instructions that tell the computer what to do.
Usage pattern:
run [a] script
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'script' with 'program'; in computing, scripts are often smaller and interpreted rather than compiled.
Synonyms
program (A general term for any set of instructions; 'script' is usually shorter and simpler.)
Antonyms
manual operation (Doing tasks by hand rather than by automated instructions.)
Collocations
run a script
|write a script
|script file
|script execution
Themes
technology
|computing
Examples
- The developer wrote a script to clean up old files.
- You can run this script to update the database automatically.
- This script will generate a daily report.
Learner examples
- I wrote a script to send emails.
- You can run the script to start the program.
- The script makes the computer do the work.
Noun
B2
entity
3
Style of handwriting or lettering
A way of writing letters by hand or in print, usually in a special style.
Usage pattern:
written in [a] script
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'script' with 'font'; fonts are digital typefaces, while scripts can be handwritten or printed styles.
Synonyms
handwriting (Refers to an individual's personal writing style; 'script' can be a standardized or artistic style.)
Antonyms
print (Block-style letters that are not cursive.)
Collocations
cursive script
|Arabic script
|calligraphic script
Themes
writing
|art
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- The document was written in elegant Arabic script.
- Her signature is in a flowing cursive script.
- The artist designed a new decorative script for the poster.
Learner examples
- I like your handwriting script.
- The old book has Arabic script inside.
- She writes in cursive script.
Verb
B1
action
4
Write words for performance
To write the words for actors in a play, movie, or TV show.
Usage pattern:
to script [a performance]
Synonyms
write (General term; 'script' is specific to preparing texts for performances.)
Antonyms
improvise (To perform without prepared text.)
Collocations
script a show
|script dialogue
Themes
entertainment
|media
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- She scripted the entire radio drama herself.
- The teacher asked students to script their own short plays.
- He scripted several scenes before filming began.
Learner examples
- I will script my school play.
- She scripted a funny scene for the show.
- They will script the new movie together.
Grammar
Dictionary form
script
IPA
GB/skɹˈɪpt/
US/skɹˈɪpt/
Syllables & stress
script (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (script)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: script
- Plural: script, scripts
Verb
- Base: script
- 3rd Person Singular: scripts
- Present Participle: scripting
- Past: scripted
Word family
Forms
scripts
noun
scripting
verb
scripted
verb
Core family
scriptwriter
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unscripted
adjective
Advanced or less common
inscription
noun B2
inscribe
verb C1
Expressions
follow the script
1/fˈɑloʊ ðə skɹˈɪpt/
fixed phrase
Do exactly as planned or written
To do something exactly as it was planned or written before.
Examples
- The actors followed the script perfectly during the performance.
- In negotiations, it's important to follow the script to avoid mistakes.
off script
1/ˈɔf skɹˈɪpt/
fixed phrase
Not using prepared words or plan
Speaking or acting without using prepared words or plan.
Examples
- The speaker went off script and told a personal story.
- He tends to go off script during presentations.
read from the same script
1/ɹˈid fɹˈʌm ðə sˈeɪm skɹˈɪpt/
idiom
Speak in agreement with others
To say the same things as others because you agree or plan together.
Examples
- The team is reading from the same script about the new policy.
- Politicians from both parties were reading from the same script on this issue.