Outline Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outline

[ˈaʊtˌlaɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

document

A general description or plan showing the essential features of something but not the detail.

Synonyms

draft, framework, sketch, summary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outline	Used to provide a general description or plan showing the essential features of something but not the detail. Before writing the essay, she created an outline to organize her thoughts. The architect drew an outline of the new building design.
sketch	Typically used in the context of drawing or designing, referring to a rough or quick drawing, often focusing on the main points without detailed work. He made a quick sketch of the landscape before starting the detailed painting. The designer presented a sketch of the new car model.
summary	Used to provide a brief statement or account of the main points of something, often highlighting key information. The manager asked for a summary of the meeting's outcomes. She wrote a summary of the book after reading it for her literature class.
draft	Used when referring to a preliminary version of a written work, often a document or composition that is to be revised later. He finished the first draft of his novel and sent it to his editor. The draft of the report was reviewed and revised before the final submission.
framework	Used to describe a structured plan or set of guidelines, often for a larger project or system. The company provided a framework for the new software development process. She constructed a framework for her research project to ensure all aspects were covered.

Examples of usage

She gave me a rough outline of the project.
Let's start with an outline and then fill in the details.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

plan

To sketch or draw the outline of; to give a summary of.

Synonyms

describe, sketch out, summarize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outline	Used when you want to provide a general overview or structure of something without going into detailed explanations. She outlined her plans for the project in the meeting. The teacher outlined the main topics for the exam.
sketch out	Commonly used when giving a brief, rough idea or plan of something, often as a preliminary step before creating a more detailed version. The architect sketched out the initial design. He sketched out a plan for the marketing strategy.
describe	Appropriate when giving detailed information about the characteristics, appearance, or features of something or someone. Can you describe what happened last night? He described the landscape in vivid detail.
summarize	Best used when you need to present the main points or essence of a larger piece of information in a concise manner. Please summarize the article in a few sentences. She summarized the book's plot in her own words.

Examples of usage

He outlined his ideas for the new book.
Can you outline the main points of the presentation?

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Authors often use outlines to organize their stories, helping to clarify the beginning, middle, and end.
In academic writing, outlines serve as blueprints for essays, ensuring that all key points are covered logically.
Many famous novels, including 'The Great Gatsby', were carefully outlined to maintain thematic focus and structure.

Education

Outlining can enhance comprehension, making it easier for students to study by breaking down information into digestible parts.
Research shows that students who create outlines before writing perform better and produce clearer, more organized essays.
Teachers often encourage students to use outlines as a tool for brainstorming and organizing their thoughts before diving into writing.

Art

Outlining is a common technique in drawing, where artists create a preliminary line drawing before adding color and detail.
Comic artists rely heavily on outlines for character design, ensuring that proportions and perspectives are accurate before finalizing their work.
In graphic design, outlines help in creating logos and icons, showcasing the main features in a simplistic form.

Psychology

Using outlines can help reduce cognitive overload, allowing individuals to focus on the main concepts instead of getting lost in details.
Research indicates that creating an outline can improve memory recall, as it provides a structured framework for information.
Students often report feeling less anxious about writing assignments when they use outlines, as it makes the task seem less overwhelming.

Origin of 'outline'

Main points about word origin

The word 'outline' comes from the Old French word 'outliné,' which means 'to draw or write out.'
In English, 'outline' first appeared in the mid-17th century, used to describe a drawing that emphasizes shapes without details.
The prefix 'out-' suggests the concept of looking outside or beyond, while '-line' refers to the lines that form the shape.

The word 'outline' originated from the Middle English word 'outlignen', which means to delineate or draw in outline. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of outlining has been a fundamental part of organizing thoughts and plans throughout history, with outlines being used in various fields such as literature, education, and design.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,821, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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