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outline

n. · v.
US //ˈaʊtˌɫaɪn// UK //ˈaʊtlaɪn// out·line
  1. 1 outer shape (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the line or shape that shows the edge of an object.

    the line marking the outer boundary or contour of an object or figure.

    Example

    In the fog, we could only see the dark outline of the mountains.

    Example

    The artist used charcoal to trace the rough outline of the model before adding any internal detail or shading.
  2. 2 a summary or plan (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a short description of the main points of a plan, book, or speech.

    a structured summary or preliminary plan that highlights the essential features or main points of a subject.

    Example

    The teacher asked us to write an outline before we started our essays.

    Example

    The project manager presented a broad outline of the new strategy, leaving the specific technical requirements for a later discussion.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 film story (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

    a written version of a story used to plan a movie script.

    a prose narrative of a story intended for development into a screenplay, typically more detailed than a treatment.

    Example

    The writer sent a ten-page outline to the studio to see if they liked the plot.

    Example

    After the initial pitch was accepted, the screenwriter spent three weeks refining the outline to ensure the pacing of the second act was effective.
  2. 4 to describe main points (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to give a short description of the most important parts of something.

    to provide a summary of the principal aspects or features of a plan or theory.

    Example

    The director will outline the new safety rules at the meeting tomorrow.

    Example

    The report outlines several key areas where the company can improve its environmental impact over the next decade.
  3. 5 to draw the edge (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to draw the outer edge or shape of something.

    to draw or trace the outer edge or contour of a physical object.

    Example

    She used a black pen to outline the stars she had drawn.

    Example

    The architect carefully outlined the footprint of the building on the site map to show how it would fit between the existing trees.
Origin

From out + line.

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