Plot
/plɒt/
Definitions
5 meaningsThe sequence of events in a narrative work.
/plɒt/
The main story of a book, film, or play.
The plot of the novel was very intricate and involved several subplots.
💡 Simply: Imagine the story as a map. The plot is the route the characters take, the order of events that happen to them. It’s like the path the author wants you to follow to understand the story.
👶 For kids: The plot is what happens in a story, like the beginning, middle, and end!
More Examples
The detective tried to unravel the plot behind the murder.
The movie had a simple plot, but the acting was superb.
How It's Used
"The book's plot was gripping and suspenseful."
"The movie's plot twists kept the audience guessing."
A secret plan or scheme to do something, especially something illegal or harmful.
/plɒt/
A secret plan or scheme.
The conspirators were arrested before their plot could be carried out.
💡 Simply: Think of a secret plan, like when you and your friends plan a surprise party. However, a plot is often something that someone wants to keep hidden to do something sneaky or against the rules.
👶 For kids: A plot is a secret plan to do something, maybe something sneaky!
More Examples
The spy uncovered a plot to steal secret information.
The king discovered a plot against his throne.
How It's Used
"The opposition uncovered a plot to undermine the government."
"They foiled a plot to rob the bank."
A small piece of land designated for a specific purpose.
/plɒt/
A small piece of land.
The developer purchased several plots of land for a new housing project.
💡 Simply: Imagine a small piece of land, like the area where you might plant a garden or where a house can be built. It's a specific space.
👶 For kids: A plot is a small piece of land, like a garden!
More Examples
They decided to plant a small garden on a plot of land behind their house.
The church was built on a large plot of land.
How It's Used
"They bought a plot of land to build their new house."
"The farmer cultivated a small plot of land for growing vegetables."
To secretly make plans to do something, especially something illegal or harmful.
/plɒt/
To secretly make plans to do something illegal or harmful.
The terrorists were plotting an attack on the city.
💡 Simply: It's like when people secretly make plans to do something sneaky or bad. Think of it as whispering about a surprise party, but a plot is something that's not so innocent.
👶 For kids: Plotting is like planning a secret trick!
More Examples
He plotted his revenge carefully.
The rivals were plotting against each other.
How It's Used
"The rebels were plotting to overthrow the regime."
"They plotted against the king."
To mark a position on a map or chart.
/plɒt/
To mark a position on a map.
The captain plotted the ship's position on the chart.
💡 Simply: Think about placing a mark on a map to show where something is. Like where your friend lives, or where you're planning to go on vacation.
👶 For kids: Plotting is like drawing a dot to show where something is on a map.
More Examples
The scientist plotted the data points on a graph.
They plotted the route for the road trip on a map.
How It's Used
"The navigator plotted their course on the map."
"The officers plotted the enemy's movements on the battlefield."
Synonyms
Action
Narrative
Conspiracy
Design
Plan
Lot
Parcel
Piece
Devise
Intrigued
Chart
Graph
Map
Mark
Idioms & expressions
lose the plot
To become confused or unable to understand what is happening.
"He seemed to be losing the plot and started making less and less sense."
From Middle English *plotte*, probably from Old English *plot*, a small piece of ground. Its use to mean a conspiracy or secret scheme developed later.
Historically, the term 'plot' for a secret scheme emerged in the 16th century, reflecting the common use of the word around that era.
Memory tip
Think of a roadmap or a sequence of events in a story.