outline
Meaning: A line showing the shape of something; a general description of the main points
Outline can be a noun or verb. As a noun, it refers to the outer edge or shape of something, or a summary showing the main points of a plan or text. As a verb, it means to give a general description or draw the outer edge of something. 'In outline' means showing only the basic structure.
Examples
- She could see the outline of the mountains against the sky. 她能看到群山在天空映衬下的轮廓。Ella podía ver el contorno de las montañas contra el cielo.彼女は空を背景に山の輪郭が見えました。그녀는 하늘을 배경으로 산의 윤곽을 볼 수 있었습니다.
- The report outlines the main challenges facing the industry. 报告概述了该行业面临的主要挑战。El informe describe los principales desafíos que enfrenta la industria.報告書は業界が直面する主な課題を概説しています。보고서는 업계가 직면한 주요 과제를 개략적으로 설명합니다.
- Let me give you a brief outline of the project. 让我给你简要介绍一下这个项目的概况。Déjame darte un breve esquema del proyecto.プロジェクトの概要を簡単に説明させてください。프로젝트의 개요를 간략히 설명해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
Compound of 'out' + 'line'. First used in the 1660s in art, meaning 'the line that marks the outer limits of a figure'. The figurative sense of 'a general plan or summary' developed in the 18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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