Word
contour
Phoneticscon·tour, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑnˌtʊɹ/
UK/kˈɒntɔː/
Definitions
01an outline
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the outer edge or shape of something, especially when it is curved.
n. the outline or boundary of a physical object or surface, typically following its curves.
“The artist used a single line to trace the contour of the model's face.”
“The sleek contour of the new sports car was designed specifically to reduce wind resistance at high speeds.”
Synonyms
02map line
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technical
n. a line on a map that connects points of the same height above sea level.
n. an isoline on a map representing points of equal elevation above or below a given datum, usually sea level.
“The hikers studied the contours on the map to see how steep the climb would be.”
“Closely spaced contours on a topographic map indicate a precipitous slope, whereas widely spaced lines suggest a more gradual incline.”
Synonyms
03general features
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Academic · Formal
n. the general shape or most important parts of a situation or idea.
n. the general characteristics or defining features of a concept, situation, or argument.
“The two politicians agreed on the broad contours of the new trade deal.”
“While the specific details remained contentious, the broad contours of the peace agreement were finally beginning to emerge during the third round of talks.”
04speech pattern
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. the way the pitch of a person's voice rises and falls while speaking.
n. the distinctive pitch movement or intonation pattern over a stretch of speech.
“The rising contour at the end of the sentence showed that he was asking a question.”
“Linguists analysed the melodic contour of the dialect to determine how its interrogative forms differed from the standard language.”
Synonyms
05to follow a shape
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to follow the curved edge or shape of something.
v. to mold or shape something so that it follows the outline of a specific form.
“The road contours around the base of the mountain.”
“The new mattress is designed to contour to the sleeper's body, providing better support for the spine.”
06makeup technique
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. to use makeup to make parts of your face look different by creating shadows.
v. to apply cosmetics to the face or body to enhance or change the perceived shape of the structure through shading.
“She learned how to contour her cheekbones using a darker powder.”
“Professional makeup artists often contour the jawline to create a more defined appearance under harsh studio lighting.”
Real-World Examples
“This allowed the researchers to test which features of the pitch contour mattered most.” “While in Libreville, Gabon, on August 16, he said he would soon address the nation to set out his vision and the contours of the talks.” “But on a moonless night, walking in these woods – a long way from streetlights and houses – the familiar paths, trees and contours are all hidden.” Etymology
Borrowed from French contour, from contourner, equivalent to con- + tour.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/contour