What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abstract
Example
The abstract of the article provided a concise summary of the research findings. [abstract: noun]
Example
She abstracted the key points from the presentation and created a summary. [abstracted: verb]
outline
Example
Before starting the essay, she created an outline to organize her thoughts. [outline: noun]
Example
He outlined the main points of his argument in the introduction. [outlined: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outline is more commonly used than abstract in everyday language. Outline is a versatile tool that can be used in various contexts, while abstract is more commonly used in academic and scientific writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abstract and outline?
Abstract is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is commonly used in academic and scientific writing. Outline can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
