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Outlined Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ–Š๏ธ
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outlined

[หˆaสŠtlaษชnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

visual representation

Outlined refers to the action of drawing or forming the outer edge or boundary of something. It is commonly used in artistic contexts where an artist creates a basic shape or figure by marking its contour without detailing its interior. The term can also apply to academic writing, where main ideas are presented in a structured framework to highlight key points. Outlining is a crucial step in the development of many projects and presentations, allowing individuals to organize their thoughts clearly.

Synonyms

delineated, drew, sketched.

Examples of usage

  • She outlined the main points of her presentation.
  • The artist outlined the figure before adding color.
  • He outlined his plan for the project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • In drawing, outlining helps define shapes, making it easier to add color and detail later.
  • Artists often use outlines to focus attention on specific areas of a composition.
  • The technique is commonly seen in cartooning, where bold outlines help characters stand out.

Education

  • Outlining is a common method for organizing information, especially in essays or presentations.
  • Teachers encourage outlining to help students structure their thoughts and improve their writing skills.
  • Visual learners often benefit from outlines as they provide a clear framework for material.

Technology

  • In graphic design software, outlining can create vector images, which can be resized without losing quality.
  • Web design often uses outlined elements for a clean and organized layout, improving user experience.
  • Coding languages sometimes involve outlining code structures to enhance readability and maintainability.

Psychology

  • The concept of outlining ideas can help reduce overwhelm, making tasks seem more manageable.
  • Cognitive scientists have found that making outlines can aid memory retention by reinforcing connections between concepts.
  • Outlining is beneficial for people with learning disabilities as it can clarify complex information.

Origin of 'outlined'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'outlinรฉ' which means 'to make a line outside'.
  • It was first used in the English language in the 17th century, primarily in artistic contexts.
  • Over the years, it has evolved to encompass various meanings, from art to outlining ideas and plans.

The word 'outline' originates from the early 15th century, derived from the Middle French term 'outliner', which meant 'to draw a line around'. This term was modified to include both the noun and verb forms by the late 16th century in English. The concept of outlining has its roots in the artistic practices of ancient civilizations, where preliminary sketches were necessary for drafting works of art. Its application later expanded into literature and education, with outlines becoming a standard method for organizing essays and reports. This evolution reflects the broader need for structured thought processes in various disciplines, making outlining a powerful tool for clarity and focus.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,981, 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.