To write something quickly and often untidily
To write something fast, usually in messy handwriting because you're in a hurry
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To write something hastily and untidily, usually to record it quickly before it is forgotten
"She scribbled down the phone number on the back of a receipt before she lost signal."
I scribbled down a few notes during the lecture and then typed them up later.
To quickly sketch or doodle something informal, such as a diagram or rough drawing
"He scribbled down a quick map on a napkin to show us the way."
To scribble (write messily) something down onto a surface — fairly transparent, the idiomatic leap is minimal
To write something fast, usually in messy handwriting because you're in a hurry
Often used when someone needs to capture information fast before forgetting it. The 'down' particle reinforces the act of committing something to paper. Common in both British and American English.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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