1 B2 neutral
To create a rough draft or preliminary version of a plan, design, or document.
"Let me rough out a budget for the project and we can refine the figures later."
separable
rough out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To produce a quick, unfinished version of a plan, design, or piece of work as a starting point.
In plain English
To make a quick first version of something, without worrying about details yet.
What does "rough out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
In art or sculpture: to shape a material into a basic, undetailed form before fine work begins.
"The sculptor roughed out the figure in clay before carving the final version in marble."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bring something out in rough form — relatively transparent.
Actually means
To make a quick first version of something, without worrying about details yet.
Usage tip
Commonly used in creative, design, and planning contexts. Implies that the output is intentionally incomplete and will be refined later. Often used with 'idea', 'plan', 'design', 'sketch'.
Words that pair with "rough out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
plan design idea sketch proposal schedule
How to conjugate "rough out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rough out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
roughs out
he/she/it
Past simple
roughed out
yesterday
Past participle
roughed out
have + pp
-ing form
roughing out
continuous
Hear "rough out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rough out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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