draft
UK: drɑːft | US: dræft
n. a preliminary version of a document or drawing
n. a current of air in an enclosed space
vt. to prepare a preliminary version of a document
vt. to select someone for a specific purpose (e.g., military service)
The word "draft" originates from Old English dragan, meaning "to draw or pull." Over time, it evolved into Middle English draught, referring to the act of drawing or pulling, such as drawing liquid from a cask or pulling a load. The spelling simplified to "draft" in American English, retaining its core meanings related to drawing (e.g., a draft of a document) or selecting (e.g., military draft). The connection between "drawing" air and "drawing" a plan reflects the word's versatile logic.
She wrote a draft of her essay before revising it.
A cold draft blew through the cracked window.
The team will draft a new proposal next week.
He was drafted into the army during the war.
The artist shared an early draft of the painting with her clients.