Draft Meaning
Draft Definition & Usage
A rough or preliminary version of a written work, design, or plan, typically subject to further editing, revision, or completion.
Examples
- "I’m working on the first draft of my novel, but it still needs a lot of work."
- "The architect showed us the draft of the new building design."
- "We need to submit a draft proposal by Friday, but it’s not the final version."
- "She printed out the draft of her speech to check for errors."
- "After reading the draft, the editor suggested a few changes."
To create a preliminary version of a written work, design, or plan, usually for review or revision.
Examples
- "She drafted the contract for the new client before finalizing the details."
- "I need to draft an email to my boss explaining the situation."
- "The writer drafted several chapters before submitting the manuscript."
- "They are drafting a new marketing strategy to present at the meeting."
- "He spent the afternoon drafting the proposal for the new project."
A current of air, often moving through an open window or under a door.
Examples
- "There's a cold draft coming from under the door."
- "The draft from the window made the room feel chilly."
- "Can you close the window? The draft is making me uncomfortable."
- "I could feel the draft on my neck as I sat by the open window."
- "The draft from the air conditioning is too strong for my liking."
A selection or list of individuals or items, often drawn from a larger pool for a specific purpose, such as a military conscription or a sports team.
Examples
- "The team made its picks from the draft of new players."
- "He was chosen in the NFL draft last year."
- "The city had to conduct a draft to recruit soldiers for the war."
- "During the draft, many young men were nervous about being selected."
- "They held a draft for new recruits to join the organization."
Cultural Context
The word 'draft' originates from the Old French word 'draf,' which referred to a rough drawing or outline. Over time, it evolved to represent an early version of any work, especially in writing or design. It also gained additional meanings related to air currents and selection processes, which are important in both historical and contemporary contexts.
The First Draft
Story
The First Draft
The small café on the corner was always buzzing with activity, but today it felt quieter than usual. Anne sat by the window, her laptop open, and the cursor blinking at her. She had been staring at the blank document for what seemed like hours, knowing she had to finish the first draft of her novel by the end of the week. A draft was supposed to be rough, right? But somehow, that knowledge didn't make the pressure any less intense. She had spent weeks outlining the plot, mapping out the characters, and deciding on the themes. Now it was time to put it all together into a draft. It was daunting. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a gentle draft sweeping through the open window. She pulled her cardigan closer to her shoulders, shivering slightly from the unexpected chill. Maybe the cool air would help clear her mind. Taking a deep breath, Anne typed the first sentence. Then another, and another. Across the room, Mark was bent over a sheet of paper, drafting his resignation letter. The words didn't come easily, as he thought about the decision he had made months ago to leave the job he had worked at for so long. He needed to draft something professional, something that wouldn’t cause any rifts with his boss. He rewrote several versions, unsure if any of them conveyed the emotions he wanted to express. Just as Anne hit save, her phone buzzed. It was a message from her editor. ‘Send me the draft when you're ready. We’ll work on revisions later.’ The pressure lifted slightly. It was just a draft. Just a starting point. Mark, on the other hand, had finally settled on a version. It was a draft, yes, but it would have to do. He had learned that sometimes, a draft is enough to start the conversation. The café, still filled with the hum of voices and the sound of keyboards clicking, felt like a place of possibility. For Anne, the draft of her novel wasn’t perfect, but it was something real. For Mark, the draft of his resignation wasn’t the end of his journey—it was just the beginning of something new.
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