Draft

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /dɹɑːft/

Definitions

1. A preliminary version of a document or plan that is subject to revision before being finalized
2. A rough outline or initial version of a written work which may undergo modifications prior to its completion or publication
3. A basic form or sketch of a text or design that is intended to be refined and improved before the final version is produced

Etymology: The word "draft" is a spelling variant of "draught," and the two were once interchangeable. Both descend from Middle English "draught" or "draght," meaning "that which is pulled" or "that which is drawn up," and by extension "a design." That sense of drawing something out or sketching it onto a surface is where the modern meaning of a rough preliminary version begins. The older word traces back to Old English, and ultimately to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "a pulling, drawing," which also gave rise to German "Tracht" and Dutch "dracht." The spelling "draft" emerged as a phonetic respelling, following the pattern of "laughter" and similar words where the "gh" was dropped in favour of a simpler form. Over time the two spellings split: "draught" kept its association with pulling, as in a current of air or a hauling of a boat's load, while "draft" took on the sense of a plan or outline. In Britain, "draught" remains the common spelling for many older senses, while American usage has largely settled on "draft" across the board.

Synonyms: outline, sketch, plan, blueprint, version

Antonyms: final product, finished work