Definition

Verb * Past tense of 'draw': The simple past tense form of the verb 'draw', which has multiple core meanings related to pulling, attracting, or creating. * He drew a picture of a house. (He created a picture by making lines.) * She drew the curtains to block the sun. (She pulled the curtains closed.) * The movie drew a large audience. (The movie attracted a large audience.)

Usage

The word 'drew' is used to indicate that an action of 'drawing' happened and was completed in the past. It cannot be used for present or future actions. The specific meaning depends on the context provided by the object or preposition that follows it.

Examples

• Pulling or Moving Something Towards/Along:
  • The horse drew the heavy cart up the hill.
  • He drew his wallet from his pocket.
  • She drew me aside to tell me a secret.
• Attracting or Causing:
  • Her speech drew applause from the crowd.
  • The scandal drew criticism from the media.
• Creating a Picture or Diagram:
  • The architect drew the plans for the new building.
  • As a child, I often drew cartoons.
• Taking or Receiving:
  • I drew $100 from my bank account.
  • He drew a deep breath before diving.
• Ending with Equal Scores:
  • The two teams drew 2-2.
  • The chess match drew after six hours.

Advanced Usage

• 'drew a blank': Failed to remember or find something.
  • I tried to recall his name, but I drew a blank.
• 'drew the line (at)': Set a limit on what one is willing to do or accept.
  • I help with chores, but I draw the line at cleaning the bathroom.
• 'drew to a close/an end': Gradually finished or ended.
  • The long summer holiday drew to a close.

Variants and Related Words

• Draw (v): The base form of the verb (present tense).
• Drawn (v): The past participle form, used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., have drawn, was drawn).
• Drawing (n/v): The act or skill of making pictures with lines; the present participle/gerund form of the verb.

Synonyms

• Pulled: Exerted force to move something closer.
• Sketch: Made a quick, rough drawing.
• Attracted: Caused interest or attention.
• Tied: Finished a contest with an equal score.
• Withdrew: Took money out (from a bank).

Related Phrasal Verbs (Base Form: 'draw')

• Draw on/upon: To use a resource, skill, or memory.
  • The writer drew on her childhood experiences for the novel.
• Draw out: To make something last longer; to encourage someone to talk.
  • He tried to draw out the meeting. / The therapist drew her out.
• Draw up: To prepare a formal document; (of a vehicle) to stop.
  • The lawyer will draw up the contract. / A car drew up outside.

Related Idioms (Base Form: 'draw')

• Draw the short straw: To be chosen for an unpleasant task.
  • I drew the short straw and had to work on the weekend.
• Back to the drawing board: To start planning something again because the first plan failed.
  • The design was rejected, so it's back to the drawing board.

Noun

1. United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)