Outline
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈaʊtlaɪn/
Full definition of outline
Noun
outline
(plural outlines)- A line marking the boundary of an object figure.
- The outer shape of an object or figure.
- A sketch or drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading.
- DrydenPainters, by their outlines, colours, lights, and shadows, represent the same in their pictures.
- A general description of some subject.
- A statement summarizing the important points of a text.
- A preliminary plan for a project.the outline of a speech
- film industry A prose telling of a story intended to be turned into a screenplay; generally longer and more detailed than a treatment.
Verb
- (transitive) To draw an outline of something.
- 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter Foreword, He stood transfixed before the unaccustomed view of London at night time, a vast panorama which reminded him … of some wood engravings far off and magical, in a printshop in his childhood. They dated from the previous century and were coarsely printed on tinted paper, with tinsel outlining the design.
- (transitive) To summarize something.Wikipedia items featuring books usually outline them after giving their background.
- 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 8, At her invitation he outlined for her the succeeding chapters with terse military accuracy ; and what she liked best and best understood was avoidance of that false modesty which condescends, turning technicality into pabulum.