English Reference

Word

outlined

Phoneticsout·lined, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈaʊtˌɫaɪnd/

UK/ˈaʊtlaɪnd/

Definitions

01summarised a plan

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

v. to give a short description of the main parts of an idea or plan.

v. to provide a summary of the principal features or general principles of a proposal or argument.

“The manager outlined the new project goals during the morning meeting.”

“The prime minister outlined a comprehensive strategy for economic recovery, focusing on infrastructure investment and tax reform for small businesses.”

Usage

Often used in formal or professional contexts to introduce a summary.

02drew the shape

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to draw the outer edge or shape of something.

v. to trace or draw the exterior line or contour of an object.

“She outlined the shape of her hand on the paper with a pencil.”

“The artist outlined the figures in charcoal before applying the first layers of oil paint to the canvas.”

Synonyms

tracedcontoureddelineated

Antonyms

03having a border

C1 · Advanced Computing Technical

adj. having a line around the outside edge.

adj. characterised by a visible border or contour line, often used in graphic design or typography.

“The poster used large outlined letters that were easy to read from far away.”

“The designer opted for outlined fonts to ensure the text remained legible against the busy photographic background.”

Usage

Commonly used in the context of digital fonts and vector graphics.

Synonyms

borderedcontoured

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“He's also outlined a vision for moving industry off Earth, most immediately to the Moon .”
Phys.org 15 Aug 2026
“We cannot let the virus outrun our response,” Fletcher said as he outlined the latest efforts to contain the virus.”
Al Jazeera 17 Aug 2026

This entry

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

QR code

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English Reference