Drawable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drawable

[ˈdrɔːəbl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

Android development

A Drawable is a general abstraction for something that can be drawn. It can be a bitmap, a vector graphic, a shape, or even an animated object. Drawables are used to define the appearance of views or backgrounds in Android applications.

Synonyms

animation, graphic, image, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
drawable	Used in programming to refer to objects or resources that can be drawn on a screen, especially in graphics libraries and frameworks. The custom view is capable of displaying any drawable item on the screen. You need to add the drawable resource to the project directory to use it.
image	A representation of a person, object, or scene captured by a camera, drawn, or created digitally, typically used in everyday language and various digital applications. She posted an image of her vacation on social media. Please attach the image file to your email.
graphic	A broad term for visual designs or images, often used in the context of digital media, print, or design. The graphic on the cover of the book attracted a lot of attention. Graphic designers often use software like Adobe Illustrator to create their work.
shape	Refers to the external form, outline, or appearance of an object, often used in art, geometry, and design. The logo has a unique shape that makes it easily recognizable. In geometry class, we learned how to calculate the area of different shapes.
animation	Refers to a sequence of images or frames that create the illusion of motion, often used in films, video games, and user interfaces. Animation in video games can make the gameplay experience more immersive. The website uses a loading animation to entertain users while the page loads.

Examples of usage

ImageView in Android can display Drawables such as images and shapes.
Background of a Button can be set using a Drawable.
Drawable resources can be defined in XML files.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

In art education, the concept of what's drawable is often explored to improve skills in observation and representation.
Many artists focus on commonly drawable subjects like landscapes and portraits, which enhance their technical abilities.
The use of various mediums, from pencil to digital, influences how drawable an object or idea can be perceived.

Technology

In computer graphics, 'drawable' can refer to objects that can be rendered visually on a screen.
Frameworks in coding often use 'drawable resources' to describe images and shapes that can be displayed in applications.
The concept of 'drawable' is fundamental in game design, where assets must be both create-able and viewable.

Psychology

Studies in children’s development suggest that their ability to draw reflects cognitive understanding and imaginative skills.
The act of drawing can be therapeutic, helping individuals express emotions and thoughts in a visual format.
Research shows that practice in drawing improves fine motor skills and spatial awareness during childhood.

Literature

In literature, the term can describe characters or scenes that are vividly portrayed, making them easy for readers to visualize.
Many authors utilize descriptive language to create drawable imagery that enhances the reader's experience.
Narrative techniques often invite readers to 'draw' their interpretations, merging text with personal visualization.

Origin of 'drawable'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the combination of 'draw', which means to produce a picture, and 'able', meaning possible.
It first appeared in English around the 17th century, reflecting the art of sketching and representation.
Related words include 'draw' and 'draft', highlighting the act of creating visuals.

The term 'drawable' originated in the field of computer graphics to refer to any object that can be drawn on the screen. In Android development, Drawables play a crucial role in defining the visual elements of an application. They provide a flexible way to customize the appearance of views and backgrounds.

See also: draw, drawback, drawer, drawing, drawings, drawn, withdraw.