Outline: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.