pencil out
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
to draw or figure something out roughly with a pencil
Literal meaning: to write or draw something out in pencil
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
neutral
to calculate or estimate something roughly
"We penciled out the costs before talking to the client."
Grammar: separable
2 C1 neutral
to sketch or draft something roughly
"She penciled out a quick layout for the garden."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Rare in modern general English. More likely in older, regional, or business/planning language.
Commonly used with
figures plan design budget outline
Forms
Base
pencil out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pencils out
he/she/it
Past simple
penciled out
yesterday
Past participle
penciled out
have + pp
-ing form
penciling out
continuous
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Synonyms
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