C1noun2K

Sketch

UK /["/sketʃ/"]/US /["/sketʃ/"]/

Definition

a simple picture that is drawn quickly and does not have many details

In simple words: A quick drawing or outline.

Examples

  • She made a quick sketch of the landscape before painting it.
  • The architect showed us a rough sketch of the new building design.
  • During the meeting, he presented a sketch of the project timeline.
  • The artist’s sketch captured the model’s expression perfectly.
  • The detective asked for a sketch of the suspect from the witness.

Usage notes

Use 'sketch' when talking about drawing something quickly, often in art or design contexts. It's not typically used for finished works.

Grammar pattern

sketch + object

Memory hint

Think of 'sketch' as a quick 'scan' of an idea on paper.

Collocations

  • lightning
  • quick
  • rough
  • do
  • draw
  • make
  • book
  • pad
  • map
  • in a/​the sketch
  • sketch by
  • sketch for
  • short
  • comedy
  • comic
  • do
  • perform
  • write
  • comedy
  • comedy show
  • show
  • sketch about
  • brief
  • thumbnail
  • biographical
  • give somebody
  • sketch of

Synonyms

  • drawing
  • outline
  • draft
  • design

Antonyms

  • finish
  • complete

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'doodle' - 'sketch' is more detailed.
  • Using 'sketch' in formal reports where a complete description is required.
  • Saying 'to sketch down' instead of just 'to sketch'.