Diagram: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：explanatory drawing (diagram)

diagram 🔊

/ˈdaɪ.ə.ɡræm/

a simple picture that shows what something is made of or how it works.

Diagram of a bicycle with labeled parts like frame, wheels, and chain on paper

explanatory drawing 🔊

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/ɪkˈsplænəˌtɔːri ˈdrɔːɪŋ/

A diagram is a simplified visual representation that outlines the components or operation of something, making complex information easier to understand.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'dia-' (through) and 'graphein' (to write), meaning a drawing that illustrates structure.

💡 Mnemonic

Dia- means through, gram means writing; a diagram writes through pictures to explain things clearly.

📖 Example

The biology teacher used a detailed diagram of the human heart to explain how blood flows through it. 🔊 In this example, a biology teacher employs a detailed diagram to illustrate the function of the human heart.

🔗 Collocations

draw a diagram – to create a visual representation

schematic diagram – a simplified drawing showing system components

flow diagram – a chart depicting process steps

🔄 Synonyms

chart (n.) – a graphical representation of data

graph (n.) – a diagram showing relationships between variables

illustration (n.) – a picture used to explain or decorate

🚫 Antonyms

description (n.) – a spoken or written account

narrative (n.) – a story or detailed explanation

🌱 Derivatives

diagrammatic (adj.) – relating to or in the form of a diagram

diagrammatically (adv.) – in a diagrammatic manner

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'diagram' originates from Greek 'diagramma', used in Euclidean geometry to visually represent proofs. It later expanded to scientific and educational contexts for schematic illustrations.