the pen is mightier than the sword

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb
  1. More influence and power can be usurped by writing than by fighting.

Pronunciation

En-au-the pen is mightier than the sword.ogg

Word forms

the pen is mightier than the sword

Etymology

This phrasing due to Bulwer-Lytton, 1839. The sentiment is traditional, and has many antecedents; see Wikipedia.

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