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Sketchily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sketchily

[ˈskɛtʃɪli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of doing

Sketchily refers to doing something in a rough or incomplete manner. It suggests a lack of detail or precision, implying that the subject is being approached very superficially. When someone does something sketchily, they may be hastily providing information or a brief overview rather than a comprehensive explanation. It can also indicate a casual or informal approach to a topic or task.

Synonyms

incompletely, roughly, superficially, vaguely.

Examples of usage

  • The report was written sketchily, missing vital information.
  • She only sketchily described the project's goals.
  • He sketchily outlined his plans for the weekend.
  • The artist captured the scenery sketchily, focusing on the basic shapes.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often use sketchily to describe characters or settings, providing just enough detail to fuel the reader's imagination.
  • Examples of works that utilize sketchy descriptions can lead to nuanced interpretations, as readers fill in the gaps in their understanding.
  • Many famous novels have sketchy elements to maintain suspense and intrigue, encouraging readers to gather clues slowly throughout the story.

Art

  • In the world of drawing and painting, a sketchy style can convey movement and emotion by leaving some areas less defined.
  • Notable artists like Leonardo da Vinci frequently made sketchy studies for their final pieces, reflecting their thoughts and ideas in a simplified format.
  • The sketchy approach to art allows artists to express ideas quickly, often leading to spontaneous creativity and new techniques.

Psychology

  • When people communicate sketchily, it can lead to misunderstandings, as key details might be overlooked.
  • Cognitive psychology suggests that our brains often fill in gaps when we receive sketchy information, affecting how we perceive the world.
  • Research indicates that people may prefer sketchy outlines over detailed descriptions, as simplification aids memory retention.

Pop Culture

  • Sketchily is often used to describe quick plot summaries in movie reviews, engaging audiences without giving away too much.
  • In video games, characters might be introduced sketchily to keep players guessing about their backgrounds and motivations.
  • Sketch comedy relies on humorous and brief scenarios, often leaving out detailed context in favor of punchy, quick laughs.

Origin of 'sketchily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'sketch', which means a rough drawing, combined with the suffix '-ily' indicating manner.
  • It first appeared in English around the mid-19th century, related to the idea of drawing or describing something quickly.
  • In art, a 'sketch' is often the first step in creating a masterpiece, hinting at the process of developing thoughts or plans.

The term 'sketchily' originates from the word 'sketch,' which dates back to the late 16th century and is derived from the Italian 'schizzo,' and the Latin 'schedium,' meaning a draft or outline. The evolution of the word reflected the influence of artistic terminology, as sketches are often quick and lack detail, leading to the adverbial form implying a similar lack of thoroughness. Over time, sketchily has been adopted into broader contexts, used to describe actions or descriptions that are brief and lacking in depth or detail, expanding beyond just artistic references.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,894, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.