plot

²plot

verb \ˈplät\

plot·tedplot·ting

Definition of PLOT

transitive verb

1

a : to make a plot, map, or plan of b : to mark or note on or as if on a map or chart

2

: to lay out in plots(see ¹plot)

3

a : to locate (a point) by means of coordinates b : to locate (a curve) by plotted points c : to represent (an equation) by means of a curve so constructed

4

: to plan or contrive especially secretly

5

: to invent or devise the plot of (as a movie or a literary work)

intransitive verb

1

: to form a plot : scheme

2

: to be located by means of coordinates <the data plot at a single point>

Examples of PLOT

1. They plotted to steal the painting.
2. She spent her years in prison plotting her revenge.
3. We've been plotting growth strategies for the company.
4. She carefully plotted her career path.
5. They've plotted the locations where the trees will be planted.
6. Have you plotted the route for your trip yet?
7. Students plotted soil temperatures on a graph throughout the school year.
8. While men plotted wars or devised philosophies, women were confined within their homes … —Barbara Ehrenreich, Ms., Winter 2007
9. Would-be nation builders plotted Italy's unification from the south and the north. —David Van Biema, Time, 4 Sept. 2000

Origin of PLOT

(see ¹plot)

First Known Use: 1588

Related to PLOT

Synonyms: collude, compass, connive, conspire, contrive, intrigue, machinate, put up, scheme

Related Words: counterplot; brew, concoct, cook (up), devise, hatch; engineer, jockey, maneuver, manipulate; design, frame, lay out, map, plan, shape

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