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Plotting: meaning, definitions and examples

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plotting

 

[ˈplɒtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

data visualization

The process of creating a graphical representation of data to reveal trends, patterns, and relationships.

Synonyms

charting, graphing, mapping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plotting

Used when creating a visual representation of data points on a coordinate system or when planning something secretly.

  • John was busy plotting the sales data for his presentation
  • The villains were plotting their next move in secret
charting

Appropriate for creating charts or diagrams to represent data, especially in business or healthcare.

  • The doctor spent hours charting the patient's progress
  • In the meeting, everyone was interested in the charting of monthly revenues
graphing

Best used for creating graphs, such as bar graphs, line graphs, or pie charts, often in scientific or educational settings.

  • The students were graphing the results of their experiments
  • She used graphing to display the annual temperature changes
mapping

Used when creating maps or complex visual representations of spatial information.

  • The geographer was mapping the new territories
  • She spent the afternoon mapping out her travel route

Examples of usage

  • Plotting the sales data on a graph helped us identify the peak seasons for our products.
  • The plotting of the survey results showed a clear correlation between age and preferences.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

The sequence of events that make up the main story of a literary work.

Synonyms

narrative, sequence, storyline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plotting

Used when discussing the planning or construction of a story, often related to the intricacies and details of its events. Can have a negative connotation if it implies scheming or secretive plans.

  • The author spent weeks plotting the twists and turns in the mystery novel
  • The villain's plotting led to chaos in the city
storyline

Refers to the main plot or central thread of a story, highlighting the core events and elements that make up the narrative.

  • The storyline of the new TV series is both intriguing and original
  • Fans eagerly follow the ongoing storyline in the comic book series
narrative

Appropriate when referring to the broader story or account being told, encompassing both events and the manner of their presentation.

  • Her narrative of the journey captivated everyone at the dinner party
  • The film's narrative structure was complex and non-linear
sequence

Best used to describe the specific order in which events or elements occur within a story or process.

  • The sequence of events in the final act kept the audience on the edge of their seats
  • Understanding the sequence of historical events is crucial for studying history

Examples of usage

  • The plotting of the novel was intricate and kept readers engaged until the end.
  • Her skillful plotting resulted in a suspenseful and unpredictable storyline.
Context #3 | Verb

conspiring

To secretly make plans to carry out an illegal or harmful act.

Synonyms

conspiring, planning, scheming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plotting

Often used when talking about secretly planning something harmful or illegal. Tends to have a negative connotation.

  • The criminals were plotting a bank robbery
  • She was accused of plotting against the government
conspiring

Refers to working together secretly to commit an unlawful or harmful act. It has a strong negative implication.

  • They were conspiring to overthrow the leader
  • Several employees were found conspiring to steal company secrets
planning

Typically refers to preparing or organizing in detail for a future event or task. Neutral, often positive connotation.

  • We are planning a family vacation next summer
  • The company is planning to launch a new product
scheming

Implies making secret or devious plans, usually for a selfish or dishonest purpose. Often carries a negative tone.

  • He was always scheming to get ahead at work
  • The villain in the story was scheming to take over the world

Examples of usage

  • The group was plotting to overthrow the government.
  • He was caught plotting to sabotage his colleague's project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'plott', meaning a small piece of ground or a plan.
  • In the 17th century, it started being used to describe schemes or plans for stories or events.

Literature

  • In storytelling, 'plotting' refers to organizing events and actions to create a compelling narrative.
  • Great writers often outline their plots to build suspense and engage the audience seamlessly.

Psychology

  • Planning or 'plotting' can activate certain areas of the brain associated with creativity and problem-solving.
  • Individuals who plot out their goals often feel more accomplished and less anxious about outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • Many of the best movies and books have unexpected plot twists that surprise audiences.
  • TV shows often keep viewers engaged through cliffhangers, which are clever plots left unresolved until later.

Science

  • In mathematical contexts, plotting can refer to graphing data points to visualize relationships between variables.
  • Scientists plot data in graphs to identify trends, making complex information easier to understand.

Translations

Translations of the word "plotting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 traçando

🇮🇳 षड्यंत्र

🇩🇪 Planung

🇮🇩 merencanakan

🇺🇦 планування

🇵🇱 planowanie

🇯🇵 計画

🇫🇷 planification

🇪🇸 planificación

🇹🇷 planlama

🇰🇷 계획

🇸🇦 تخطيط

🇨🇿 plánování

🇸🇰 plánovanie

🇨🇳 规划

🇸🇮 načrtovanje

🇮🇸 áætlun

🇰🇿 жоспарлау

🇬🇪 გეგმვა

🇦🇿 planlaşdırma

🇲🇽 planificación

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,755, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.