verb
esquisser
sketch
Dessiner les premières lignes d'une image ou présenter brièvement le début d'une idée sans entrer dans les détails.
Definition & meaning
Esquisser means to sketch or to outline something roughly, without completing all its details.
- In art, it means to make a preliminary sketch of a picture or design.
- Figuratively, it means to outline an idea, plan, or argument.
- It can also mean to make a slight or initial gesture, such as a smile or a movement.
Grammar & Word origin
Esquisser is a regular -er verb. It usually takes a direct object.
It comes from esquisse , meaning “sketch” or “outline,” which ultimately derives from Italian.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- dessiner — “to draw”; broader than esquisser and does not necessarily imply a rough or preliminary version.
- ébaucher — “to draft” or “begin”; emphasizes the early stage of a work or project.
- tracer — “to trace” or “draw”; emphasizes making lines or marking out a shape.
Antonyms
- achever — “to finish”; contrasts with merely beginning or sketching something.
- détailler — “to describe in detail”; contrasts with giving a rough outline.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Pour le cours de dessin, Marie veut esquisser un animal.verb
For the drawing class, Marie wants to sketch an animal.
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