plotter

USAGE SUMMARY

'plotter' is a word used in written English.
You can use the word "plotter" to refer to a person or organization that plans something in order to achieve a specific goal. Examples: "The political plotters behind the campaign were determined to win the election." "The military plotters developed a complex strategy to take back the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The less attractive dimension is that he has a reputation among colleagues as "a plotter, and a brutal plotter".

The Guardian - Opinion

In the popular Netflix series House of Cards, the main character, a diabolical plotter by the name of Francis Underwood, is always lurking in corners, dropping hints about his cartoonishly evil plans.

The Guardian - Opinion

The same verdict was handed down to Tahsin Sahinkaya, the other surviving coup plotter.

The Economist

He is represented by Judy Clarke, a lawyer who has negotiated plea deals for Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber; Jared Loughner, who killed six people and severely injured Gabrielle Giffords, then an Arizona congresswoman; and Zacarias Moussaoui, a 9/11 plotter.

The Economist

On April 8th they did the same at the residence of Prem Tinsulanonda, the chief adviser to King Bhumibol and the alleged plotter of a 2006 coup that ousted Mr Thaksin.

The Economist

To Savarkar's followers in the Mahasabha, that constituted national betrayal.Savarkar (back row, second left) was arrested and tried as a plotter in Gandhi's murder.

The Economist

One plotter reckons that defeating Mr Chavez's diehards could leave at least 2,000 dead.

The Economist

But no serious plotter would now lay plans at a mosque.

The Economist

"We don't know where the bullets came from, but we do know where the discourse came from," says Alejandro Armas, a congressman who was until recently a supporter of Mr Chavez.When Mr Chavez took office in 1999, many believed that despite his "revolutionary" rhetoric, and his past as an army officer and coup plotter, he would rule as a democrat.

The Economist

President Lincoln acknowledged Mr Chase's abilities, the MP explained, but also regarded him as an inveterate plotter.

The Economist

But he casts doubt on one account of events that was penned by the main CIA plotter, Kermit Roosevelt, a buccaneering grandson of Theodore Roosevelt.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the printing device, specify the type of plotter if precision or specific capability is important (e.g., "pen plotter", "large format plotter").

Common error

Avoid using "plotter" when "planner" is more appropriate. "Plotter" often suggests secrecy or malicious intent, while "planner" simply implies foresight and organization. Be mindful of the negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The word "plotter" functions primarily as a noun, referring either to a person who plots or schemes, or to a device that produces drawings. Ludwig's examples illustrate usage in contexts ranging from political intrigue to technical drawing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "plotter" is a common word with dual meanings, referring either to someone who schemes or to a drawing device. As Ludwig AI explains, its usage is grammatically correct, with a neutral tone and common occurrence in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When describing people, remember that "plotter" often carries a negative connotation. To avoid this, consider using "planner" instead. For the device, specify the type of "plotter" for clarity if needed. This comprehensive analysis provides clarity on the varied applications and nuances of "plotter" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

schemer

Focuses specifically on the act of scheming, often with negative connotations.

conspirator

Highlights involvement in a secret plot or conspiracy.

intriguer

Emphasizes the use of intrigue and manipulation.

machinator

Stresses the skillful and often devious planning involved.

cabalist

Indicates membership in a secret group with hidden agendas.

graphics printer

Specifically refers to the device's function as a printer for graphical output.

large format printer

Highlights the printer's ability to handle large-sized media.

vector graphics printer

Focuses on the printer's ability to print vector graphics.

drawing device

Emphasizes the act of drawing rather than printing.

charting instrument

Specifically refers to its navigational usage to find a vessel's position.

FAQs

How is the word "plotter" typically used?

The word "plotter" can refer to a person who makes secret plans, often with a negative connotation, or to a device that draws images, particularly technical drawings.

What are some synonyms for "plotter" when referring to a person?

When referring to a person, you can use synonyms like "schemer", "conspirator", or "intriguer" depending on the specific context.

Which type of device is considered a "plotter"?

A "plotter" is a type of output device, similar to a printer, that draws images using pens or other tools, often used for creating technical drawings or large-format graphics.

What's the difference between using "plotter" and "planner" to describe someone?

"Plotter" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone who secretly schemes, while "planner" is a more neutral term for someone who organizes and prepares.