Definition

1. Verb:
   • To prepare or outline something in a preliminary, basic, or incomplete form, often as a first step before more detailed work.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The architect will rough in the initial floor plans before adding details.
  • We need to rough in the electrical wiring before the drywall is installed.
  • She roughed in the main ideas for her essay on a single page.

Advanced Usage

• In Construction/Trades: This term is commonly used to describe the initial installation of essential systems (like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC) where the basic framework and pathways are put in place, but fixtures and final connections are not yet completed.
  • The plumbers are scheduled to rough in the bathroom pipes next week.
• In Art/Design: It can refer to creating a preliminary sketch or layout.
  • The artist roughed in the composition with charcoal before starting to paint.

Variants and Related Words

• Rough draft (n): A first version of a written document.
  • Always write a rough draft before your final paper.
• Rough sketch (n): A simple, quickly drawn picture showing the main features.
  • He showed me a rough sketch of the proposed building.

Synonyms

• Outline: To describe the main ideas or facts.
• Sketch out: To give a brief, general description or drawing.
• Block in: To outline the main areas of a drawing or plan.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rough out: Very similar in meaning to "rough in," meaning to produce a first, basic version.
  • Let's rough out a schedule for the project.

Verb

1. prepare in preliminary or sketchy form