Definition

1. Noun:

   • A simple, quickly drawn picture: A "sketch" is a rough or unfinished drawing, often created as a preliminary study or to capture a basic idea.
   • A short, descriptive summary: A "sketch" can be a brief written or spoken account, outlining the main points of something.
   • A short, humorous performance: A "sketch" is a short, often comedic, scene in a play, revue, or television show.

2. Verb:

   • To draw quickly and simply: To "sketch" means to make a rough, simple drawing of something.
   • To describe briefly or outline: To "sketch" means to give a general description or summary of the main points of an idea, plan, or story.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The artist showed me a pencil sketch of the proposed mural.
  • He gave us a brief sketch of the company's history.
  • The comedy show featured several hilarious sketches.

• Verb:

  • She sat in the park and sketched the old fountain.
  • Can you sketch out your proposal for the new project?

Advanced Usage

• "to sketch in": to add details to a basic plan or drawing.
  • We have the main structure; now we need to sketch in the details.
• "a thumbnail sketch": a very brief and concise description or drawing.
  • The report began with a thumbnail sketch of the current economic climate.

Variants and Related Words

• Sketcher (n): a person who makes sketches.
  • He is a talented architectural sketcher.
• Sketchy (adj): not thorough or detailed; giving only basic information.
  • His memory of the event was sketchy.
• Sketchbook (n): a book of blank pages for drawing sketches.
  • She always carries a sketchbook with her.

Synonyms

• Noun: Outline, draft, drawing, vignette, vignette.
• Verb: Outline, draft, delineate, trace, depict.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Sketch out: To describe or draw the main features of something without details.
  • He sketched out his plan on a napkin.
• Sketch in: To add details or information to a basic outline.
  • Let me sketch in a few more facts about the situation.

Related Idioms

• A rough sketch: A preliminary and incomplete version.
  • This business plan is just a rough sketch at this stage.
• To sketch a portrait (of): To describe someone's character or a situation vividly.
  • The novel sketches a compelling portrait of life in the city.

Noun

1. a humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine
2. short descriptive summary (of events)
3. a brief literary description
4. preliminary drawing for later elaboration
   • he made several studies before starting to paint

Verb

1. describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of
   • sketch the outline of the book
   • outline his ideas
2. make a sketch of
   • sketch the building