rough out
Definition
Verb: 1. To prepare in preliminary or sketchy form: To create a first, incomplete, or undeveloped version of something, such as a plan, design, or piece of writing, which will later be refined.
Usage
The verb "rough out" is used to describe the initial, often rapid, phase of creating something. It focuses on establishing the basic structure, main ideas, or general shape without concern for details or final polish. It is commonly used in contexts like writing, design, planning, and carpentry.
Examples
- Verb:
- The architect roughed out several concepts for the new building before choosing one to develop fully.
- I need to rough out the plot of my novel before I start writing the first chapter.
- He roughed out a schedule for the project on a whiteboard during the meeting.
Advanced Usage
- "to rough something out": This is the standard construction, where the object (the thing being created in preliminary form) comes after the phrasal verb or between "rough" and "out."
- She roughed a draft out in just an hour. (Separable usage)
- Let's rough out the proposal by the end of the day. (Inseparable usage)
Variants and Related Words
- Rough draft (n): The preliminary version of a written document.
- Please send me your rough draft by Friday.
- Rough sketch (n): A quick, unfinished drawing.
- The artist showed me a rough sketch of the portrait.
- Outline (v/n): A related concept involving summarizing main points, which can be a method of "roughing out" a plan or text.
Synonyms
- Sketch out: To give a brief account or general idea of.
- Draft: To write a preliminary version of a text.
- Block out: To plan the main parts of something.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Work out: To develop or solve something in detail. (This often follows "roughing out" the initial idea.)
- First, we roughed out the concept; then we spent weeks working out the details.
- Map out: To plan something in detail. (More detailed than "rough out.")
- After roughing out the route, they mapped out every stop.
Related Idioms
- Get the ball rolling: To start an activity or process. This idiom is related in spirit to "roughing out," as both involve initiating work on something.
- To get the ball rolling, let's rough out an agenda for the conference.
Verb
-
prepare in preliminary or sketchy form
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ chứa "rough out"