Draft: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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