to give a rough plan, outline, or description of something
to show the basic idea without all the details
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
to draw something quickly and roughly, showing only the main features
"She sketched out the layout of the garden on a napkin."
Darwin first sketched out his theory in notebooks years before publication.
— Biographical writing on Charles Darwin; exact source not recalled
to describe or plan something in a general way without giving all the details
"At the meeting, the director sketched out a new strategy for the next six months."
The president sketched out his economic plan in broad terms.
— Common political/news phrasing; exact source not recalled
to draw something roughly
to show the basic idea without all the details
Used for both literal drawing and figurative planning. Common in business, writing, design, and conversation.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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