outline

word

/ˈaʊtˌɫaɪn/
/ˈaʊtlaɪn/

Definition

An outline is a general description or plan showing the main ideas of something, or the outer shape of an object.

Usage & Nuances

As a noun, 'outline' can mean a summary of main points (common in presentations and essays), or the outer edge/shape of something. Used in both formal and informal contexts. Verb: 'to outline' means to describe briefly. Don't confuse with 'summary' (full details) or 'sketch' (more visual).

Spanish: esquema - contorno (forma)Portuguese (BR): esboço - contornoPortuguese (PT): esquema - contornoChinese (Simplified): 提纲 - 轮廓Chinese (Traditional): 大綱 - 輪廓Hindi: रूपरेखा - बाहरी रेखाArabic: مخطط - إطار خارجيBengali: রূপরেখা - সীমারেখাRussian: план - контурJapanese: アウトライン - 輪郭Vietnamese: dàn ý - đường viềnKorean: 개요 - 윤곽Turkish: ana hat - taslak - dış hatUrdu: خاکہ - خاکہ نما شکلIndonesian: dàn ý - đường viền

Example Sentences

Could you outline the main points for me?

natural

Please make an outline of your presentation first.

basic

The teacher drew the outline of a cat on the board.

basic

She followed an outline to write her essay.

basic

At sunset, you could see the outline of the mountains against the sky.

natural

My boss asked me to prepare an outline before starting the project.

natural