Doodle vs Scrawl vs scribble

[Monica]

Is there a difference between these three words? I've looked them up in the dictionary and basically found similar definitions. Thank you.

[Mister Micawber]

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To me:

Doodles are little figures, designs and sketches.
Scrawls and scribbles are roughly executed, illegible or barely legible words.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Monica]

So then, is there no difference between "scrawl" and "scribble"?

[Mister Micawber]

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Scrawls seem rougher and larger writ; the writing implement is more abused.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Alan]

Hi Monica,

'Scrawl' is write something in very bad handwriting - typically the way a doctor writes a prescription!!

'Doodle' is draw pictures, shapes,designs on a piece of paper without any particular purpose, often while you are listening to a lecture/speech/discussion or simply passing the time.

'Scribble' is write something very quickly because you don't have much time to write.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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