diagrammatically
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˌaɪəɡrəmˈætɪklɪ/
US
- /dˌaɪəɡrəmˈætɪkli/
Description
- using diagrams
- visually represented
- in chart form
- through sketches
Imagine trying to explain how a complex machine works. You could write pages of detailed instructions, but it's much easier to show someone with a drawing—that's explaining it *diagrammatically*! It means presenting information not just with words, but through visual aids like charts, graphs, sketches, or models.
Think about assembling furniture from IKEA. The instructions aren't long stories; they are presented almost entirely *diagrammatically, using step-by-step pictures to show you exactly what to do. This approach is especially useful when dealing with complex systems where a picture truly is worth a thousand words. You might see a process explained diagrammatically in a science textbook or a family tree laid out diagrammatically* to show complicated relationships.
To present something *diagrammatically* means to represent it visually using diagrams—drawings, charts, graphs, sketches, flowcharts, or other visual illustrations. It's about translating information from words into images to make it easier to understand, analyze, and communicate.
The ending "-ly" signals the manner of doing something, so *diagrammatically describes how information is presented (in a diagram-like way). This method is often used when dealing with complex concepts or processes that are hard to grasp through text alone. For example, an engineer might explain the internal workings of an engine diagrammatically, showing each part and how it connects. Similarly, a biologist could illustrate a cell's structure diagrammatically*, labeling its various components to show their spatial arrangement.
While you can describe almost anything in words, presenting it *diagrammatically often clarifies relationships, highlights patterns, and simplifies dense information. It is a standard practice in fields like science, engineering, mathematics, education, and data analysis. You might say, "The data was presented diagrammatically to show the correlation between variables," or, "He explained the workflow diagrammatically* on the whiteboard."
It's important to note that a *diagrammatic representation doesn't necessarily have to be simple; it can be highly detailed and complex itself, but its core purpose remains visual communication. When something is presented diagrammatically*, expect to see more pictures than prose—a visual roadmap for understanding.
Examples
- 1
Textbook explanation
The textbook introduces the process diagrammatically, so you can see each step at a glance.
- 2
Technical manual
In the manual, the wiring is shown diagrammatically rather than as a realistic picture.
- 3
Business relationships
The links between the companies can be represented diagrammatically on a single slide.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- diagrammaticallyadverb