Meaning & use
schematically
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Meanings
adverb
In a way that shows only the main parts or structure of something, not its details.
Grammar: Usually modifies a verb: the plan is shown schematically.
Patterns
- show something schematically
- describe something schematically
- represent something schematically
The report shows the process schematically, with just a few boxes and arrows.
On the whiteboard she drew the factory layout schematically, leaving out the exact measurements.
The two systems are presented schematically so that beginners can compare them quickly.
adverb
In a short, simplified form that gives only a rough outline of an idea.
Grammar: Often used with verbs like outline, summarize, or explain.
Patterns
- outline something schematically
- explain something schematically
He outlined the theory schematically in one paragraph, then spent the lecture filling it in.
The chapter treats the history schematically, jumping from one period to the next.
Common combinations
- shown schematically
- The wiring is shown schematically in the manual.
- drawn schematically
- The map was drawn schematically, so distances are not accurate.
- described schematically
- The author described the method schematically rather than in full.
- represented schematically
- Each stage is represented schematically by a single symbol.
- schematically illustrated
- The device is schematically illustrated on page ten.
Synonyms and how they differ
- diagrammatically
- Use this when the thing is actually presented as a diagram; schematically is broader and can describe a spoken or written outline too.
- roughly
- This means approximately and says nothing about structure; schematically stresses that only the main parts are given.
- in outline
- This phrase is close in meaning but is more general and does not suggest a technical drawing or plan.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: schematically or systematically? schematically or symbolically?
schematically vs systematically
Systematically means following a careful, ordered method; schematically means showing only the basic structure. A report can be written schematically (in outline) without being systematic.
schematically vs symbolically
Symbolically means standing for something else as a sign; schematically means simplified to the main parts.
Practice
Choose the sentence that uses "schematically" correctly.
Choose one answer.
"Schematically" describes something presented in simplified structural form, so it fits a diagram of an engine. The other options use it where an adverb of manner, time, or degree is needed, which does not match its meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “schematically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.