outline Definition
- 1a line or set of lines enclosing or indicating the shape of an object in a sketch or diagram
- 2a general description or plan giving the essential features of something but not the detail
- 3a summary of something
Using outline: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "outline" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The outline of the building was clearly visible against the sky.
Example
She gave me an outline of the project.
Example
The professor provided an outline of the lecture before beginning.
Example
He wrote an outline for his essay before starting to write.
outline Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with outline
Example
The plan was explained in outline by the manager.
Example
The speaker filled in the outline with specific examples and data.
Example
The art class focused on creating outline drawings of various objects.
Origins of outline
from out- 'completely' + line, on the pattern of Dutch 'omlijnen'
Summary: outline in Brief
The term 'outline' [ˈaʊtlaɪn] refers to a line or set of lines indicating the shape of an object or a general description of something. It can be used to describe a summary or plan of something, as in 'She gave me an outline of the project.' 'Outline' can also be used in phrases like 'in outline,' meaning in a general way without including all the details.