Draft: meaning, definitions and examples

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draft

[drɑːft ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

work

A preliminary version of a piece of writing, typically one that is incomplete or unpolished.

Synonyms

manuscript, outline, rough copy, sketch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
draft	An airflow or movement of air, often used when talking about uncomfortable cold air moving indoors. He felt a cold draft coming from the window. The door must be closed properly to prevent any drafts.
rough copy	An early version of a written work that is not polished or finalized, usually less formal and more impromptu than a draft. She made a rough copy of her speech before refining it. His rough copy of the report contained many mistakes that needed correction.
sketch	A brief, quick, and sometimes informal representation, often used visually for drawings but can also apply to short written summaries or plans. She showed him a quick sketch of her new painting. He prepared a rough sketch of his ideas for the new marketing strategy.
outline	A general description or plan showing the essential features of something but not the detail, often used before writing a story, essay, or report. Before writing the essay, he created a detailed outline. The project manager presented an outline of the upcoming project.
manuscript	A handwritten or typed document, often used for books, articles, or other large pieces of writing before they are published. The author submitted her manuscript to several publishers. He spent years working on his manuscript before it was ready for printing.

Examples of usage

He wrote a rough draft of the speech the night before.
She showed me the first draft of her novel.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

writing

To prepare a preliminary version of a piece of writing.

Synonyms

compose, create, formulate, write.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
draft	This word is best used when referring to the initial version of a text or document that is likely to undergo revision. I need to review the first draft of the report He wrote a draft of his speech last night
compose	Use this when referring to the act of creating something artistic or formal, like music, poetry, or a letter. She composed a beautiful piece for the piano He composed a heartfelt letter to his friend
write	This is a general term for putting words on paper or a screen, applicable to anything from emails to novels. He likes to write in his journal every day She is going to write a letter to her grandmother
formulate	Best used in contexts that require careful and precise creation, like making plans, strategies, or hypotheses. The team will formulate a new business strategy Scientists formulate theories based on their research
create	This is a general term for bringing something new into existence, and can be used in a wide range of contexts. She loves to create digital art They will create a new plan for the project

Examples of usage

She drafted a proposal for the new project.
The team drafted a contract for the collaboration.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'draft' comes from the Middle English term 'draf,' meaning 'to draw off,' pointing to its roots in the act of preparing or pulling something.
In the 14th century, it referred to a preliminary version of a written document.
The variations of the word connect to actions like drawing or pulling liquid, revealing the idea of shaping something from its initial state.

Literature

Many famous authors, including Ernest Hemingway and J.K. Rowling, produced multiple drafts before finalizing their works, showing the importance of revision.
The drafting process is crucial in creative writing courses, where students learn to develop their ideas over several iterations.
Some novels are published as 'first drafts' to highlight the raw and authentic voice of the author, allowing readers a glimpse into the creative process.

Art

In visual arts, a draft is often seen in preparatory sketches that help artists plan out their compositions before finalizing them.
Famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci made numerous drafts of their works, demonstrating the meticulous planning behind their masterpieces.
Drafting techniques in technical drawing help architects and engineers illustrate their designs clearly before construction.

Sports

In American football, the 'draft' is a yearly event where teams select eligible players to join their rosters.
The concept of drafting is vital in various team sports, impacting strategies on recruitment and team building.
The first NFL Draft took place in 1936 and has since evolved into a massive televised event drawing millions of viewers.

Physics

In aerodynamics, 'drafting' refers to a technique used by cyclists and cars to reduce drag by following closely behind another competitor.
Drafting utilizes the fast-moving air created by the leading vehicle, which decreases the resistance faced by the trailing vehicle.
This practice can save energy and increase speed, demonstrating how physics applies to competitive sports.

Translations

Translations of the word "draft" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rascunho

🇮🇳 मसौदा

🇩🇪 Entwurf

🇮🇩 draf

🇺🇦 чернетка

🇵🇱 szkic

🇯🇵 下書き (したがき, shitagaki)

🇫🇷 brouillon

🇪🇸 borrador

🇹🇷 taslak

🇰🇷 초안 (choan)

🇸🇦 مسودة

🇨🇿 návrh

🇸🇰 návrh

🇨🇳 草稿 (cǎogǎo)

🇸🇮 osnutek

🇮🇸 uppkast

🇰🇿 жоба

🇬🇪 ნაწერი (nats'eri)

🇦🇿 layihə

🇲🇽 borrador

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,566, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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