plotter
B2Neutral (both senses); Technical (device sense)
Definition
Meaning
1) A person who makes secret plans to do something illegal or harmful. 2) A device, especially a computer printer, that draws graphs or other visuals by moving a pen on paper.
1) A person who systematically plans a sequence of actions, not necessarily malicious. 2) Any device or software that generates graphical output from data coordinates.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans a strong pejorative connotation (conspirator) to a highly technical, neutral one (output device). Context is essential to distinguish meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Both meanings are used identically. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
The 'device' sense is more frequent in technical contexts globally. The 'conspirator' sense is equally used in general language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
plotter against Nplotter of Nplotter for NVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The plotter lost the plot.”
- “A plotter in the palace.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We need to order a new colour plotter for the architectural drawings.
Academic
The study identified the key plotters behind the regicidal conspiracy.
Everyday
He was accused of being the main plotter behind the office prank.
Technical
Ensure the vector file is compatible with the flatbed plotter.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The spy was a dangerous plotter.
- The police arrested the plotters who planned the robbery.
- We printed the map on a large plotter.
- Historical records reveal the plotters' complex network of allies.
- The engineering firm uses a high-precision plotter for its blueprints.
- Though labelled a mere plotter by his detractors, his machinations reshaped the political landscape.
- The seismic data was visualised using a specialised four-pen plotter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A PLOTTER either PLOTS on paper with a pen, or PLOTS in secret with other men.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANNING IS DRAWING (to plot a course/to plot a graph); SECRECY IS DARKNESS (shadowy plotter).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'плотовщик' (raftsman). The device sense is 'плоттер'. The person sense is 'заговорщик', 'интриган'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'plotter' for a regular printer (incorrect specificity). Confusing 'plotter' (person) with 'planner' (lacks malicious connotation).
Practice
Quiz
In a historical novel, a 'plotter' most likely refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Even when not malicious (e.g., 'plotter of a charity event'), it often retains a hint of secretive or complex scheming. The device sense is neutral.
No. A plotter is a vector graphics device that draws with pens, ideal for line-based technical drawings. Printers are raster devices for general text/images.
'Plotter' is primarily a noun. The related verb is 'to plot'.
Check the context: words like 'conspiracy', 'coup', 'secret' point to the person. Words like 'printer', 'pen', 'drawing', 'blueprint', 'vector' point to the device.
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