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outline

outline

59 2.7
A short plan that shows the main points of something
  • noun
  • /ˈaʊtlaɪn/
translation icon : esquema
  • Teachers should suggest that students make an outline or draw a diagram to illustrate their findings.
  • a course outline
  • lesson outline
  • paper outline

So that that's basically like the outline of the ritual itself.

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Examples

  • This document provides a clear outline of the project's goals and objectives.

  • We conclude with a summary and an outline of research needs.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Those notes later became the outline for the four hour work week.

  • So what goes into the outline of a crime series?

  • It's a general outline for a proof.

  • All right, so a brief outline of what we're going to do.

  • So here's an outline of what the course will look like.

  • Few would dispute the basic outline of events of this complicated and radical period of Italian history.

    Academic text (2015)
  • During the meeting, she presented an outline of the new marketing strategy.

  • The professor shared an outline of the key themes we would discuss in class.

Synonyms

summary
vsoutline
397 2.7

A short statement giving the main points without details

is a general description that may include an overall structure as well as points
overview
vsoutline
74 3.8

A short summary of the main points of something

is a general description focused on main points rather than a broad survey
brief
vsoutline
67 4.2

A short written summary of a longer document

is more general and not limited to condensed written abstracts
rundown
vsoutline
65 3.9

A short report that gives the main points of an event or meeting

is a general description not focused only on events or processes
sketch
vsoutline
56 3.5

A short account that gives the main points about something

is broader and more structured than that informal brief account
synopsis
vsoutline
23 4.7

A short summary of the main points of a book or article

is a broader general description rather than a short surveyed summary
abstract
vsoutline
  • Specialized
20 5.5

A short summary of the main points of a paper

is the everyday general description rather than an academic summary
brief overview
vsoutline
3 2.6

A short summary of the main points

is a more general description rather than a short focused digest
précis
vsoutline
  • Formal
1 8.2

A short clear summary of the main points of a text or speech

is a more general and less formal description than that precise restatement
epitome
vsoutline
1 7.7

A short summary of the main points of a text

is a general description meant for many contexts not only written works
sum-up
vsoutline
1 3.9

A short description of the main points

is more of an overall description rather than just a very short recap
setout
vsoutline
6.2

A clear plan that shows goals and main parts of a report

is a general description focusing on main points rather than outlining aims

How Detailed

to report
1.6
description
549 1.0
account
466 3.0
outline
59 2.7
sketch
56 3.5
summary
3.3

Surface Forms

outline singular
outlines plural

Morphology

outline = line (semi-transparent) = out + line

The noun 'outline' meaning 'summary' is derived metaphorically from the physical 'outer line', so it is related but not strictly literal.

Etymology

Outline comes from out ('outside') and line ('a mark or border'). An outline is the 'main line' or simple list that shows the basic shape and main points of an idea.