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Sketches Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sketches

[ˈskɛtʃɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

art

Rough or unfinished drawings or paintings made as a preliminary study or design.

Synonyms

draft, drawing, outline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sketches

Use 'sketches' when referring to quick, rough drawings or plans, often used for preliminary ideas or in art contexts.

  • She showed me her sketches for the new painting
  • The architect made several sketches before finalizing the building design
draft

A 'draft' is a preliminary version of a piece of writing or a plan. It's often used in the context of writing, documents, and sometimes initial project proposals.

  • I submitted the first draft of my essay to the professor
  • The team reviewed the draft of the proposal before the meeting
outline

An 'outline' refers to a general description or plan showing the essential features of something but not the detail. It's often used in planning, writing, and explaining ideas.

  • She presented an outline of her book before starting the full text
  • The teacher gave us an outline of the topics for the exam
drawing

A 'drawing' is typically a more detailed and finished depiction compared to a sketch. It’s used in various contexts, including art, designing, and planning.

  • His drawing of the landscape was incredibly detailed
  • The engineer's drawing of the machinery was precise and clear

Examples of usage

  • He quickly sketched out his idea for the new logo.
  • She made several sketches of the landscape before starting the final painting.
Context #2 | Verb

art

To make a rough drawing or painting as a preliminary study or design.

Synonyms

delineate, draw, outline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sketches

Used when referring to quick, rough drawings that capture the basic elements or structure of something. Commonly used in art and design to draft ideas.

  • The artist made several sketches before starting the final painting.
  • I have a notebook full of sketches for my new project.
draw

A general term for making marks on a surface to create a picture, often used casually to describe the act of creating any visual representation.

  • I like to draw portraits in my spare time.
  • Children love to draw with crayons.
outline

Used when describing the outer edges or main features of something, often utilized in both art and writing to provide a structured overview.

  • He outlined the main points of his presentation.
  • The artist began by outlining the shape of the flower.
delineate

Used in more technical or formal contexts to describe the process of outlining or defining something precisely, often found in academic, legal, or scientific writing.

  • The report delineates the responsibilities of each team member.
  • The map clearly delineates the boundaries of the property.

Examples of usage

  • She sketched the outline of the model before starting to paint.
  • He quickly sketched a few ideas for the new project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art History

  • Many famous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh, created sketches as a crucial part of their artistic process.
  • Sketches have been used throughout history, serving as the foundation for larger, more complex works, especially in Renaissance art.
  • They are often considered an essential form of communication in the visual arts, allowing artists to experiment with ideas.

Cultural Impact

  • In modern times, sketches are pivotal in graphic design, animation, and architecture, aiding initial concepts before final designs.
  • Urban sketching has emerged as a popular movement where artists capture city life in quick sketches as a form of visual storytelling.
  • Sketch comedy, a genre of entertainment, utilizes brief and humorous scenes that often resemble the spontaneity of visual sketches.

Psychology

  • Sketching can serve as a therapeutic outlet, helping individuals express emotions and thoughts when words are insufficient.
  • Studies suggest that creating sketches can enhance memory retention, making it a valuable tool for learning and education.
  • Engaging in sketching activities has been linked to improved cognitive functions and problem-solving skills.

Technology

  • With the rise of digital design, sketches can now be created using tablets and software, blending traditional techniques with modern technology.
  • Apps and platforms dedicated to sketching have transformed how artists share and collaborate on ideas globally.
  • 3D sketching technologies are being developed, allowing users to create three-dimensional representations of their ideas.

Origin of 'sketches'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'skhedios' meaning 'done or made quickly'.
  • It entered English via the Italian word 'schizzo', which also means a quick drawing.
  • The transition into modern usage in the 17th century indicated a shift towards a more artistic approach.

The word 'sketch' originated from the Dutch word 'schets' and the Italian word 'schizzo', both meaning a rough drawing or outline. The term has been used in art and design for centuries to refer to preliminary drawings or paintings. Sketches play a crucial role in the creative process, allowing artists to explore ideas and concepts before creating the final artwork.

See also: sketch, sketcher, sketching, sketchy.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,452 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.