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

1. 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