Diagram
ˈdaɪəɡræm
Definitions
2 meaningsA simplified drawing or plan that shows how something works or what something is, often using lines and symbols.
ˈdaɪəɡræm
A simplified drawing illustrating something.
The teacher drew a diagram on the board to explain the concept.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're explaining how your favorite toy works. A diagram is like a simple drawing that shows you all the parts and how they fit together. It's like a map for how things are built or how they operate!
👶 For kids: A picture that shows how something works, like a map for how things are put together.
More Examples
The mechanic used a wiring diagram to fix the car's electrical problem.
The architect showed the clients a diagram of the building's layout.
How It's Used
"The biology textbook featured a diagram of the human heart."
"The engineer used a circuit diagram to troubleshoot the electrical system."
"The teacher used a diagram to explain the parts of a plant."
To represent something in the form of a diagram.
ˈdaɪəɡræm
To represent something using a diagram.
The engineer diagrammed the circuit to understand its components.
💡 Simply: If you're making a drawing to show how things connect, you're 'diagramming' something. Like when you draw a map to explain the layout of your house.
👶 For kids: To draw a picture to show how things go together.
More Examples
The teacher diagrammed the sentence on the chalkboard to explain the grammar.
She diagrammed her family tree to trace her ancestry.
How It's Used
"The author diagrammed the process flow for the new software."
"The students were asked to diagram the sentence."
From Late Latin *diagramma*, from Greek *diágramma* (drawing a figure, outline), from *diagráphein* (to mark out by lines), from *dia-* (through, across) + *graphein* (to write, draw).
The term has been used since the late 16th century, evolving from Greek and Latin roots focused on drawing and writing, and its use has been consistent in technical and educational contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a visual plan. The 'dia-' suggests 'across', showing the relationships across elements.
Word Origin
"to mark out by lines, draw"