Silhouette: meaning, definitions and examples

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silhouette

 

[ หŒsษชluหหˆet ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

art

A dark shape on a light background that represents the outline of a person or object. Silhouettes are often used in art and photography to create striking images.

Synonyms

outline, profile, shadow.

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Word Description / Examples
silhouette

Used to describe the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, especially in dim light.

  • The silhouette of a tree stood out against the setting sun.
  • She admired the silhouette of the mountain range from her window.
outline

Refers to the general shape or boundary of an object, often used when highlighting the main points or drawing a summary.

  • He traced the outline of the country on the map.
  • The artist began by sketching the outline of the figure.
profile

Used to describe the side view of someone's face or the general traits and characteristics of a person or thing.

  • She recognized him by his distinctive profile.
  • The magazine featured a profile of the famous actor.
shadow

Describes the dark area or shape produced by an object coming between rays of light and a surface, often associated with something ominous or with following someone closely.

  • The cat chased its own shadow.
  • He saw a shadow moving in the corner of the room.
  • He felt like he was living in his brother's shadow.

Examples of usage

  • The artist created a beautiful silhouette of a tree against the sunset.
  • The photographer captured the silhouette of the city skyline at dusk.
Context #2 | Noun

fashion

A style or image that is typically simple and striking, often in the form of a dark outline against a light background. Silhouettes in fashion refer to the overall shape or form of a garment.

Synonyms

figure, form, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
silhouette

Used when describing the dark outline or shadow of something, especially in a backlit scenario. Common in art, photography, and descriptive writing.

  • The silhouette of the mountains against the sunset was breathtaking
  • She could barely make out his silhouette in the dim light
form

Denotes the structure, shape, or appearance of something. Often used in more abstract or artistic contexts, such as sculpture, design, or even grammar.

  • The sculptor crafted the clay into a beautiful form
  • The athlete's form was perfect during the race
figure

Refers to the human body or any memorable shape or formation. It can be used in contexts related to anatomy, geometry, and sometimes abstract representations.

  • She has a slender figure
  • A mysterious figure stood at the end of the hallway
shape

Describes the external outline or surface, and is commonly used in more general or physical contexts. Useful in everyday conversation related to objects, geometry, and design.

  • The shape of the table is rectangular
  • She noticed a peculiar shape in the clouds

Examples of usage

  • The designer's collection featured elegant silhouettes that accentuated the curves of the body.
  • She wore a classic black dress with a cinched waist, creating a flattering silhouette.
Context #3 | Verb

photography

To create a silhouette in photography by positioning the subject in front of a bright light source, resulting in a dark outline against the light background.

Synonyms

feature, highlight, outline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
silhouette

Use this word when describing the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible in restricted light against a brighter background.

  • The artist painted the silhouette of the tree against the sunset.
  • In the distance, we could see the silhouette of the mountains.
outline

This word is best used when describing the external form or boundary of an object, often detailed as a line or shape.

  • She sketched the outline of the building before starting the detailed work.
  • The outline of the proposal was presented to the committee.
highlight

Use this word to emphasize the most interesting or important part of something.

  • The tour guide highlighted the ancient artifacts in the museum.
  • The highlight of the concert was the final song.
feature

This word is ideal when talking about a distinctive attribute or aspect of something.

  • The most noticeable feature of the new car is its sleek design.
  • Her eyes are her most striking feature.

Examples of usage

  • She silhouetted the dancer against the setting sun for a dramatic effect.
  • The photographer decided to silhouette the flower against the sunset for a stunning photo.

Translations

Translations of the word "silhouette" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น silueta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฟเคฒเฅเคนเฅ‚เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Silhouette

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ siluet

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธะปัƒะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sylwetka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒซใ‚จใƒƒใƒˆ (shirietto)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท silhouette

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ silueta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท siluet

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹ค๋ฃจ์—ฃ (silluet)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุธู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ silueta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ silueta

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‰ชๅฝฑ (jiวŽnyวng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ silueta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รบtlรญna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะธะปัƒัั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒšแƒฃแƒ”แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ siluet

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ silueta

Etymology

The word 'silhouette' originated from the name of ร‰tienne de Silhouette, a French Minister of Finance known for his harsh economic policies. The term became associated with the practice of creating shadow profiles during his time. Over the years, 'silhouette' evolved to represent the dark outline or image of a person or object. Today, it is commonly used in art, photography, and fashion to describe distinct and striking shapes or forms.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,168, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.