Outline meaning in English
Learn how to use Outline correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
to outline (something): to define, to describe; to recapitulate, to summarize; to design, to draw (something)
I've outlined last year's sales figures on the first page of the report. I've written a short summary of all the sales figures for you.
an outline: a profile, a border, a contour, a silhouette; a summary, a synopsis
Our professor gave us an outline of our course in Russian literature. It was a short description of the topics covered.
Examples
- "From what I understand about your company, I believe that Delavigne might be interested in other production services beyond the glass bottles you outlined in your faxes."
- "They outline a few of the points I'd like to discuss with you during my stay in China."
- "They outline a few of the points I was hoping to discuss with you during my stay in China."
- "It outlines our projected earnings for the quarter and offers a comprehensive listing of our new overseas prospects."
- "It outlines the rules of conduct in the workplace."
- "I have a handbook which I will provide for your study during our interview (yes, there will be an interview for final-stage candidates) that outlines all of my more particular requests."
- "From what I understand about your company, I believe you might be interested in other production services beyond the glass bottles you outlined in your faxes."
Exercise 1
The Delavigne handbook "outlines the rules of conduct in the workplace".
In the context of this sentence, "to outline" means .
In the context of this sentence, "to outline" means .
The Delavigne handbook "outlines the rules of conduct in the workplace".
In the context of this sentence, "to outline" means to summarize in general terms.
In the context of this sentence, "to outline" means to summarize in general terms.
to summarize in general terms: This is the correct answer. In this context, the verb "to outline" expresses that the handbook provides a general "overview" or "summary" of the important aspects of the company's rules of conduct. To "outline" something is to "present" it or give an "introduction" or "summary" of a subject.
to describe in great detail: This is incorrect. To "outline" expresses that only the "broad" or "general" points are presented, not the details.
to sketch a rough diagram or drawing: Although to "outline" can express "sketching" or "drawing" the shape or contours of something in artistic terms, it is extremely unlikely that this is type of "outline" which Bob is referring to in the Delavigne handbook.
to forbid or prohibit: This is incorrect. The handbook explains what is appropriate and inappropriate in the company, but "to outline" does not express the act of "forbidding" or "prohibiting" something. To "forbid" is to prohibit or to ban something.
Exercise 2
"They outline a few of the points I was hoping to discuss with you."
In the context of this sentence, "to outline" means "to ".
"During my stay in China."
A "stay" describes a "".
In the context of this sentence, "to outline" means "to ".
"During my stay in China."
A "stay" describes a "".
"They outline a few of the points I was hoping to discuss with you."
In the context of this sentence, "to outline" means "to summarize 1".
"During my stay in China."
A "stay" describes a "short visit 2".
In the context of this sentence, "to outline" means "to summarize 1".
"During my stay in China."
A "stay" describes a "short visit 2".
1 summarize: This is the correct answer. To "outline (a project)" is to "present" it, or summarize its main points. Kevin's fax provides a general "overview" or "summary" of the points that he wants to discuss with Mrs Lee (observe the production process, the working conditions, etc).
1 detail: This is incorrect. To "outline" expresses that only the "broad" or "general" points are presented, not the details. "To detail (a project)" is to review the specifics of it, or to review it in depth.
1 confirm: This is incorrect. "To outline" and "to confirm" do not share the same meaning. "To confirm (an appointment)" is to validate or acknowledge it.
2 short visit: This is the correct answer. As a noun, a "stay" means a "stop" or "visit" somewhere. As a verb, "to stay" is to live somewhere temporarily (as a visitor or a guest).
2 journey: This is incorrect. A "journey" is a "voyage" or a "trip", it does not share the same meaning with a "stay".
2 tour: This is incorrect. "Stay" and "tour" do not share the same meaning. A "tour" describes a visit or a trip during which someone is shown a place, a monument, a city, etc. Example: Can you give me a tour of your offices?
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