ENGLISH
REFERENCE

plotting

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɫɑtɪŋ// UK //plˈɒtɪŋ// plot·ting

v. secretly planning to do something, usually something bad or illegal. It can also mean marking points on a map or graph to show a path or data.

v. secretly devising a plan to achieve a specific, often illicit, outcome. Also refers to the act of marking points on a chart or coordinate system to represent a sequence or relationship.


SIMPLE

They are plotting a surprise party for their friend.

CONTEXTUAL

The detectives discovered that the group had been plotting the bank robbery for several months.

COMPLEX

By carefully plotting the movement of the stars over several weeks, the ancient navigators were able to determine their exact position at sea with surprising accuracy.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive when referring to a plan or a graph; it can be intransitive when describing the general act of conspiring.

Pitfall

They are plotting for a crime.They are plotting a crime.When 'plot' means to plan something, it is transitive and does not require the preposition 'for'.

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