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Sketching Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sketching

[ˈskɛtʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

artistic expression

Sketching is the act of quickly drawing a rough outline or draft to capture the essence of a subject. It is often used as a preliminary step before creating a more detailed artwork.

Synonyms

doodling, drawing, outlining.

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Word Description / Examples
sketching

Sketching is often used when creating quick, rough drawings or plans. It is commonly used by artists and designers to capture initial ideas or concepts.

  • She was sketching the layout for her new garden.
  • He spent the afternoon sketching the cityscape from the park.
drawing

Drawing is a general term for making images with lines on a surface. It can range from detailed and realistic to simple and abstract, and is often more deliberate and polished than sketching.

  • She took up drawing as a hobby and quickly filled several sketchbooks.
  • The art class focused on drawing different types of plants and flowers.
doodling

Doodling refers to drawing randomly and often without much thought, usually while the mind is occupied with other things. It is often done absentmindedly or during idle moments.

  • She found herself doodling in the margins of her notebook during the meeting.
  • While talking on the phone, he doodled little stars and flowers on a scrap of paper.
outlining

Outlining is used when creating the main lines or outer shape of a design without including much detail. It is often the first step in a more detailed artwork or plan.

  • The architect began by outlining the basic structure of the building.
  • He spent the lesson outlining the key forms of the portrait before adding details.

Examples of usage

  • Her sketches were filled with intricate details and expressive lines.
  • I enjoy sketching landscapes in my free time.
  • The artist sketched the model in just a few minutes.
Context #2 | Noun

art

A sketch is a quick, rough drawing that captures the basic elements of a subject. It can serve as a starting point for a more elaborate piece of art.

Synonyms

draft, outline, rough drawing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sketching

Used when creating a quick or preliminary drawing to capture the essentials of an idea, scene, or object. Often used by artists to brainstorm.

  • She loves sketching landscapes in her notebook during her travels.
  • The architect spent the afternoon sketching ideas for the new building.
draft

Typically used in a more formal setting, implying a preliminary version of a detailed document, plan, or drawing that may undergo revisions.

  • He submitted the first draft of his research paper to the professor.
  • The design team presented the draft of the project proposal to the client.
outline

Refers to a basic framework or structure of a plan, speech, or piece of writing. Highlights the main points without going into fine details.

  • Before writing her novel, she created a detailed outline of the plot and characters.
  • The teacher asked the students to prepare an outline of their essays before writing the full version.
rough drawing

Implying a less polished and detailed version of a drawing; usually used in the early stages of conceptualization. Carries a notion of something temporary or preliminary.

  • He showed me a rough drawing of the invention he had in mind.
  • The artists shared their rough drawings for the new animation characters.

Examples of usage

  • The painter made a sketch of the scene before starting the actual painting.
  • She showed me her sketches for the new art project.
  • The sketch of the building was used as a reference for the final design.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice of sketching dates back to ancient civilizations, including Egypt and Greece, where artists used quick drawings to plan their artwork.
  • In the Renaissance, artists like Leonardo da Vinci kept sketchbooks, using them to capture ideas and improve their skills.
  • The term 'sketch' comes from the Dutch word 'schets', which means 'to make a rough drawing'.

Art Techniques

  • Sketching can be done with various tools, including pencils, charcoal, and ink, allowing artists to express their creativity in different ways.
  • Many artists use sketching as a warm-up exercise, helping them loosen up before starting a detailed painting or sculpture.
  • Digital sketching has gained popularity, with artists using tablets and software to create sketches electronically.

Literature

  • In literature, the term 'sketch' can refer to brief descriptions or outlines of characters and scenes that help visualize a story.
  • Many authors begin writing by creating sketches of their plots, allowing them to organize their ideas before developing full narratives.
  • The literary form known as a 'character sketch' focuses on a brief yet insightful portrayal of a person, similar to artistic sketches.

Psychology

  • Sketching can help improve mental focus and enhance memory by encouraging the brain to visualize information differently.
  • Art therapy often incorporates sketching as a way for individuals to express emotions and thoughts they may find difficult to verbalize.
  • Many people find that sketching can serve as a calming activity, reducing stress and anxiety while allowing for creative expression.

Pop Culture

  • Sketch comedy, a popular form of entertainment on TV, often uses short, humorous sketches to convey comedic ideas to audiences.
  • Animated features often begin with sketches to visualize characters and scenes before moving into more detailed animations.
  • Famous graphic novels often showcase the unique style of sketching, blending art and storytelling in expressive ways.

Origin of 'sketching'

The word 'sketch' originated from the Dutch word 'schets' which means 'a hasty drawing or outline.' The concept of sketching has been a fundamental part of art history, dating back to the early Renaissance period. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci used sketches to plan their masterpieces. Over time, sketching has evolved into a popular form of artistic expression and a valuable tool for artists to capture ideas quickly.

See also: sketch, sketcher, sketches, sketchy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,907, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.