What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
synopses
Example
The back cover of the novel had a synopsis that gave a brief summary of the plot. [synopsis: noun]
Example
She provided a synopsis of her research paper in the introduction. [synopsis: noun]
outline
Example
Before writing the essay, she created an outline to organize her thoughts. [outline: noun]
Example
He outlined his proposal during the meeting to provide a clear structure for the project. [outlined: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outline is more commonly used than synopsis in everyday language. Outline is a versatile tool that can be used in various contexts, while synopsis is more specific to certain fields such as publishing and journalism.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between synopses and outline?
Outline is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is commonly used in academic and business writing. Synopsis can also be used in formal contexts, but is more commonly used in informal settings such as book reviews or movie summaries.
