Sketch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽจ
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sketch

[skษ›tสƒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

art

A simply or hastily executed drawing or painting, especially a preliminary one, giving the essential features without the details.

Synonyms

design, draft, drawing, outline.

Examples of usage

  • He made a quick sketch of the landscape before starting the final painting.
  • The artist's sketches were displayed in the gallery.
Context #2 | Verb

art

To make a rough drawing of something quickly and without many details.

Synonyms

delineate, draw, outline.

Examples of usage

  • She sketched the portrait in just a few minutes.
  • He sketched the plans for the new building.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art.

  • Sketching is often the first step in creating a detailed painting or sculpture.
  • Famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh created famous sketches that showcase their creative process.
  • Sketching allows artists to experiment with composition, light, and perspective without committing to a final piece.

Technology.

  • Today, sketching can also refer to digital drawings made with software tools like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate.
  • Sketching apps can enable users to create sophisticated designs quickly, from smartphones or tablets.
  • Mobile devices have made sketching more accessible, allowing anyone to create art on the go.

Psychology.

  • Sketching can improve mental clarity; it helps people visualize thoughts and emotions.
  • Art therapy often includes sketching as a means for individuals to express feelings that are hard to put into words.
  • Research suggests that doodling or sketching can enhance memory retention and concentration levels.

Pop Culture.

  • Sketch comedy shows like 'Saturday Night Live' and 'The Carol Burnett Show' blend humor with quick, imaginative performances.
  • Graphic novels often start with intricate sketches that evolve into finished stories, merging art with narrative.
  • Famous cartoonists like Charles Schulz and Gary Larson began their careers with sketches that became beloved characters.

Origin of 'sketch'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'schรจma', meaning 'shape or form'.
  • In the 16th century, the term evolved to refer specifically to a rough drawing or outline.
  • Artists in Italy began using 'schizzo' to describe quick preparatory drawings, influencing the modern meaning.

The word 'sketch' originated from the Dutch word 'schetsen' and the Italian word 'schizzo', both meaning 'a hasty drawing or painting'. The term evolved over time to refer to a quick, preliminary drawing or painting that captures the essential features of a subject. Sketches have been used by artists for centuries as a way to plan compositions, explore ideas, and capture fleeting moments.


See also: sketcher, sketches, sketching, sketchy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,857, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.