verb

esbozar

sketch

Representar de manera rápida y sencilla una idea, dibujo o plan sin muchos detalles.

Word: esbozar


Meaning:

Esbozar is a Spanish verb that means "to sketch" or "to outline." It refers primarily to the action of drawing the preliminary lines or rough drafts of a figure, design, or idea. It can also be used metaphorically to imply starting or giving a rough outline of something non-visual, like a plan, argument, or feeling.


Parts of the word:

  • Es-: A prefix often denoting “out” or “forth”.
  • -bozar: Comes from the root related to appearance or form, linked to the noun boceto (sketch).

Usage examples:

  • El artista esbozó un retrato rápidamente.
    The artist sketched a portrait quickly.

  • Antes de escribir el ensayo, esbocé las ideas principales.
    Before writing the essay, I outlined the main ideas.


Synonyms:

  • Bocetar (to sketch, to draft)
  • Delinear (to delineate, to outline)
  • Concebir (to conceive, in the metaphorical sense)
  • Esquematizar (to give a schematic outline)

Antonyms:

  • Detallar (to detail or flesh out)
  • Completar (to complete)
  • Finalizar (to finish)

Additional notes:

  • Esbozar usually refers to an initial stage in a creative or intellectual process and implies something incomplete or tentative.
  • In conversation, it can be figurative: esbozar una sonrisa means “to give a faint or slight smile.”

In summary, esbozar refers to making a first draft, whether visually through drawing or figuratively through outlining ideas.

Make “esbozar” part of your vocabulary.

Build your Spanish vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Examples

El artista esboza un nuevo proyecto cada semana.verb

The artist sketches a new project every week.

Keep exploring Spanish

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).