plan

plan [plan]

n.

[Fr, plan, plane, foundation: merging of plan (< L planus: see PLAIN¹) with MFr plant < It pianta < L planta, sole of the foot: see PLANT]

1. a drawing or diagram showing the arrangement in horizontal section of a structure, piece of ground, etc.

2.

a) a scheme or program for making, doing, or arranging something; project, design, schedule, etc.

b) a method of proceeding

3. any outline or sketch

4. in perspective, any of several planes thought of as perpendicular to the line of sight and between the eye and the object

vt.

planned, planning

1. to make a plan of (a structure, piece of ground, etc.)

2. to devise a scheme for doing, making, or arranging

3. to have in mind as a project or purpose

vi.

to make plans

SYN.- PLAN refers to any detailed method, formulated beforehand, for doing or making something [vacation plans]; DESIGN stresses the final outcome of a plan and implies the use of skill or craft, sometimes in an unfavorable sense, in executing or arranging this [it was his design to separate us ]; PROJECT implies the use of enterprise or imagination in formulating an ambitious or extensive plan [a housing project]; SCHEME, a less definite term than the preceding, often connotes either an impractical, visionary plan or an underhanded intrigue [a scheme to embezzle the funds ]