sketch
/sketʃ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A sketch is a quick, simple drawing that shows the main idea of something. It is not detailed and is often made before a final picture.
- She made a sketch of the house.
- The designer showed us a rough sketch.
verb
To sketch something is to draw it quickly and simply. It can also mean to describe something briefly, using only the main points.
- He sketched the chair in ten minutes.
- The report sketches the problem clearly.
Adinary Nuance
A sketch is lighter and less finished than a drawing or a painting. Use sketch when the work is quick, rough, or only an outline. In writing, sketch means a brief description, while describe is more complete.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bản phác thảo
- Spanish
- boceto
- Chinese
- 草图
- Japanese
- スケッチ
- Korean
- 스케치
Etymology
Sketch entered English in the 16th century from Dutch and related forms in Italian. It originally meant a quick drawing or outline.
Common phrases
a quick sketcha rough sketchsketch ofsketch out
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is sketch the same as drawing?
- Not exactly. A sketch is usually quicker, simpler, and less detailed than a drawing.
- Can sketch be used in writing?
- Yes. It can mean a short, basic description of a person, plan, or idea.
- What is the difference between sketch and outline?
- An outline is usually for writing or planning. A sketch is usually a quick picture, or a short description.