sketch
/sketʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /sketʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈskech/ (ame, mw)
sketch — noun
- sketchsingular
- sketchesplural
1. a picture drawn quickly and simply, without spending time on small details or sh
a picture drawn quickly and simply, without spending time on small details or shading
Jenna made a quick sketch of the old bridge before the light changed.
collocation: quick sketch of [noun]
The architect's sketch showed only the basic shape of the building.
Diya filled her notebook with sketches of birds and trees from the park.
The designer drew a rough sketch of the dress on a paper napkin.
Asher's charcoal sketch captured the cat's sleeping posture with just a few lines.
- drawing
a broader term; a sketch is a rough, quick type of drawing, often a first version of a more detailed drawing
- doodle
an even more casual, absent-minded drawing, often done while thinking about something else
- outline
focuses on the outer edge or shape, while a sketch may include some shading and internal lines
- masterpiece
a highly finished, detailed work, the opposite of a rough sketch
文法句型
a sketch of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often combined with rough, quick, or pencil to describe the style or medium of the sketch.
常見錯誤
2. a description, given in speech or writing, that tells only the main facts about
a description, given in speech or writing, that tells only the main facts about a person, event, or situation
The article began with a short biographical sketch of the scientist.
collocation: biographical sketch of [person]
Otis gave the group a brief sketch of his travel plans for the summer.
The report opened with a sketch of the company's history since 1990.
Putri wrote a humorous sketch of her first day working at the hospital.
文法句型
a sketch of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently followed by of to introduce the topic or person being described. Common in biographical, journalistic, and academic contexts.
常見錯誤
3. a brief, comedic piece of theatre or television, usually lasting just a few minu
a brief, comedic piece of theatre or television, usually lasting just a few minutes
The comedy troupe performed a hilarious sketch about a chaotic restaurant kitchen.
collocation: comedy sketch / perform a sketch
Mert's favourite TV sketch shows two friends trying to assemble a bookshelf.
Sade wrote a five-minute sketch for the school talent show.
Three actors rehearsed a short sketch about a job interview gone wrong.
- skit
more informal, often shorter and simpler; skits are common at amateur events while sketches are associated with professional comedy
- comedy bit
a very short segment within a larger show, not necessarily a full scene with a setting and characters
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: this sense refers only to a performed comedic scene, not a written or spoken description. Also called a comedy sketch or skit in informal contexts.
常見錯誤
sketch — verb
- sketchpresent simple I / you / we / they
- sketches3rd person singular
- sketching-ing form
- sketchedpast simple
1. to draw something quickly and roughly, without adding many details or finishing
to draw something quickly and roughly, without adding many details or finishing it carefully
Rin sat on the park bench and sketched the street musicians across the square.
transitive: sketch + direct object (scene/person)
The artist sketched the model's face in charcoal before starting the oil painting.
Shanti quickly sketched the garden layout on a scrap of paper.
The students sketched the still life set up at the front of the classroom.
Lukas sketched the harbour scene in just a few minutes before the rain started.
- draw
a more general term; sketching implies speed and roughness, while drawing can refer to any level of detail
- doodle
done absent-mindedly, usually without a specific subject; sketching is intentional and observational
- outline
focuses only on the outer shape; sketching may include shading, texture, and internal lines
- paint
uses colour and typically takes more time and care; the opposite of a quick sketch in a monochrome medium
文法句型
sketch + noun phrase
sketch (no object)
用法筆記
Commonly used with a direct object (sketch + person/place/thing) but also appears intransitively: 'She sat outside and sketched.' The phrasal verb sketch out can mean planning or outlining an idea, not necessarily drawing.