Word
outline
Phoneticsout·line, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaʊtˌɫaɪn/
UK/ˈaʊtlaɪn/
Definitions
01outer shape
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the line or shape that shows the edge of an object.
n. the line marking the outer boundary or contour of an object or figure.
“In the fog, we could only see the dark outline of the mountains.”
“The artist used charcoal to trace the rough outline of the model before adding any internal detail or shading.”
Synonyms
02a summary or plan
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a short description of the main points of a plan, book, or speech.
n. a structured summary or preliminary plan that highlights the essential features or main points of a subject.
日本語:概要※
“The teacher asked us to write an outline before we started our essays.”
“The project manager presented a broad outline of the new strategy, leaving the specific technical requirements for a later discussion.”
03film story
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Theater Technical
n. a written version of a story used to plan a movie script.
n. a prose narrative of a story intended for development into a screenplay, typically more detailed than a treatment.
日本語:あらすじ※
“The writer sent a ten-page outline to the studio to see if they liked the plot.”
“After the initial pitch was accepted, the screenwriter spent three weeks refining the outline to ensure the pacing of the second act was effective.”
04to describe main points
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to give a short description of the most important parts of something.
v. to provide a summary of the principal aspects or features of a plan or theory.
“The director will outline the new safety rules at the meeting tomorrow.”
“The report outlines several key areas where the company can improve its environmental impact over the next decade.”
05to draw the edge
B1 · Intermediate
v. to draw the outer edge or shape of something.
v. to draw or trace the outer edge or contour of a physical object.
“She used a black pen to outline the stars she had drawn.”
“The architect carefully outlined the footprint of the building on the site map to show how it would fit between the existing trees.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “outline” in context.
Adjective
01. broad outline
“The professor gave a broad outline of the course requirements during the first lecture.”
adj + noun
02. general outline
“I have a general outline of the story, but I still need to work on the specific details.”
adj + noun
03. approach outline
04. outline approach
05. outline principle
Real-World Examples
“Males usually have a more noticeable point along the front edge of the head, while females tend to have a smoother and more rounded outline.” “A thin black line outlines the holder that supports the stone (left).” Etymology
From out + line.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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 IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/outline
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0