French word

esquisser

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛskise/

Meaning

  • verbsketch

Example

J'esquisse un petit dessin pour expliquer mon idée.

I sketch a small picture to explain my idea.

Illustration for esquisser (sketch)

More examples

Il esquisse une solution pendant la réunion.

He sketches a solution during the meeting.

Core concept

A rough first pass brings the main form into view while leaving details and conclusions open.

Common phrases

  • esquisser un croquis

    sketch a rough drawing

  • esquisser une solution

    sketch out a solution

  • esquisser les grandes lignes

    outline the main points

Similar words

suggérer: To hint at something without stating it directly.
présenter: To present the main points or content in an orderly way.
dessiner: To draw a picture or diagram with a pencil or pen.
croquer: To sketch an outline quickly and roughly.

Definition in French

Faire une première version sommaire d'un dessin ou d'une idée; au figuré, indiquer brièvement ou suggérer quelque chose sans l'affirmer.

Word origin

French esquisser comes from Italian schizzare, a borrowing associated with making a quick sketch.

Usage tips

  • In figurative use, esquisser can introduce a tentative expression or suggestion, such as esquisser un sourire or esquisser une réponse.

Other meanings

  • outlineverb
  • hint at ___verb

Opposites

Related words

  • esquissesketchnoun
  • esquissésketchedadjective

Word lists with this word