ENGLISH
REFERENCE

outlining

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈaʊtˌɫaɪnɪŋ// UK //ˈaʊtlaɪnɪŋ// out·lin·ing

v. to give a general description of the main facts or ideas about something. You use this when you want to explain the big picture without every small detail.

v. to provide a summary or general description of the essential features of a plan, argument, or project. Often used in academic or professional contexts to describe the initial stage of a proposal.


SIMPLE

She is outlining the main points of her presentation now.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager spent the morning outlining the new safety procedures to the entire staff.

COMPLEX

By outlining the historical precedents for the policy change, the author establishes a clear framework for the subsequent analysis of modern economic trends.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; frequently used in the present continuous to describe an ongoing explanation.

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