sketch out
B2 neutral both transitive
In simple words
to show the basic idea without all the details
Literal meaning: to draw something roughly
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
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
Grammar: both
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
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
Grammar: both
Usage notes
Used for both literal drawing and figurative planning. Common in business, writing, design, and conversation.
Commonly used with
plan idea proposal outline scene design
Forms
Base
sketch out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sketches out
he/she/it
Past simple
sketched out
yesterday
Past participle
sketched out
have + pp
-ing form
sketching out
continuous
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Synonyms
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