scratch off
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To write or compose something quickly and hastily: The primary meaning is to produce a written piece, such as a note, letter, or list, in a rapid and often careless manner.
Usage and Examples
- Verb:
- She needed to scratch off a quick email before the meeting.
- He scratched off a reminder on a sticky note and stuck it to his monitor.
- I'll just scratch off a shopping list before we head to the store.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often implies the writing is done to fulfill a basic need or obligation without spending much time or effort on refinement or detail.
- It can be used for both physical writing (with a pen) and digital writing (typing an email or message).
Variants and Related Words
- Dash off (phrasal verb): A direct synonym meaning to write something very quickly.
- He dashed off a reply to the urgent message.
- Jot down (phrasal verb): To write something quickly in a brief form, like a note.
- Let me jot down your phone number.
Synonyms
- Write hastily
- Scribble
- Knock out (informal)
Notes on Different Meanings
- Important Distinction: The verb phrase 'scratch off' in this context is separate from the compound noun 'scratch-off' (a lottery ticket where you rub off a coating to reveal symbols). This entry defines only the phrasal verb.
- Example of the noun (not the defined verb): He bought a scratch-off and won five dollars.
Verb
- write quickly
- She dashed off a note to her husband saying she would not be home for supper
- He scratched off a thank-you note to the hostess