draft

/dræf /
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draft

A writer reviews the first draft of her novel.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A preliminary version of a written work: A "draft" is an early, often unpolished, version of a text, such as an essay, letter, or law, which is subject to revision.
    • Compulsory military service: The "draft" refers to the system of selecting individuals for mandatory service in the armed forces.
    • A current of cool air: A "draft" is a flow of air, especially an unwanted one, entering a room or space.
    • A written order for payment: A "draft" is a financial document, like a check or bill of exchange, ordering a bank to pay a specified sum.
    • The act of pulling or drawing a load: The "draft" is the action of pulling something heavy, often referring to animals used for this purpose.
    • A large swallow of a drink: A "draft" can be a single, hurried drink or gulp of a liquid.
    • The depth a ship sinks in water: In nautical terms, "draft" is the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of a ship's keel.
    • A dose of liquid medicine: A "draft" is a portion of medicine prepared to be drunk.
    • Beer served from a cask or keg: "Draft" describes beer drawn from a large container, as opposed to being bottled or canned.
    • A preliminary sketch: A "draft" can be an initial, rough drawing or design.
  2. Verb:

    • To write a preliminary version: To "draft" means to compose a first or early version of a text.
    • To select for compulsory military service: To "draft" someone is to conscript them into the armed forces.
    • To draw up a plan or outline: To "draft" is to prepare a preliminary plan, sketch, or document.
    • To make a technical drawing: To "draft" can mean to create a detailed blueprint or technical diagram.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:

    • The author wrote three drafts of her novel before she was satisfied.
    • He was exempt from the military draft due to a medical condition.
    • Please close the window; there's a cold draft.
    • The company issued a bank draft to pay the supplier.
    • The beer tastes better on draft than from a bottle.
  • Verb:

    • The lawyer will draft the contract by tomorrow.
    • During the war, the government drafted thousands of young men.
    • The committee drafted a proposal for the new policy.
Advanced Usage
  • "First draft": The initial, complete version of a piece of writing.

    • The first draft is just about getting your ideas on paper; you can edit later.
  • "Feel a draft": To sense a current of air; idiomatically, to sense hidden criticism or hostility.

    • I think I feel a draft from under the door. (Literal)
    • When he stopped talking, I felt a draft in the room. (Idiomatic, implying a chill in the atmosphere)
  • "Draft dodger": A person who illegally avoids compulsory military service.

    • He fled the country to avoid being labeled a draft dodger.
Variants and Related Words
  • Draught: (Noun/Verb) The British English spelling for most meanings of "draft," especially concerning air currents, beer, and pulling.

    • He opened the door, causing a draught.
    • A pint of draught ale.
  • Drafter/Draftsman: (Noun) A person who drafts documents or technical drawings.

    • The drafter prepared the architectural plans.
  • Drafty/Draughty: (Adjective) Describing a place where unwanted currents of air enter.

    • This old house is very drafty in the winter.
Synonyms
  • Noun (written version): Sketch, outline, version.
  • Noun (military service): Conscription, call-up.
  • Noun (air current): Breeze, current, gust.
  • Verb (to write): Compose, prepare, formulate.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Draft in: To bring someone in to help, especially for a specific task.
    • They had to draft in extra staff to handle the holiday rush.
Related Idioms
  • "A rough draft": An early, unrefined version.

    • Don't worry about perfection; just give me a rough draft of your ideas.
  • "Draft animal": An animal, such as a horse or ox, used for pulling heavy loads.

    • Before tractors, farmers relied on draft animals.
draft

A writer reviews the first draft of her novel.

Noun
  1. the act of moving a load by drawing or pulling
  2. a large and hurried swallow
    • he finished it at a single gulp
  3. compulsory military service
  4. a dose of liquid medicine
    • he took a sleeping draft
  5. a regulator for controlling the flow of air in a fireplace
  6. the depth of a vessel's keel below the surface (especially when loaded)
  7. any of the various versions in the development of a written work
    • a preliminary draft
    • the final draft of the constitution
  8. a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg
    • they served beer on draft
  9. a preliminary sketch of a design or picture
  10. a current of air (usually coming into a chimney or room or vehicle)
  11. a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
Verb
  1. make a blueprint of
  2. engage somebody to enter the army
  3. draw up an outline or sketch for something
    • draft a speech