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esquisse

sketch

noun eh-SKEES Rare

Origin: From Italian schizzo, 'sketch'.

Also means

outline

Usage Note

Esquisse refers to a preliminary sketch or rough outline in art, architecture, or writing — something not yet finished but capturing the essential shape of an idea. The verb esquisser means to sketch or to give a vague outline of something (e.g. esquisser un sourire — to give a faint smile). The word carries a nuance of intentional incompleteness.

Examples

"Il a fait une esquisse rapide du paysage."

Natural Translation

He made a quick sketch of the landscape.

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