outline
OWT-lyn
/ˈaʊtlaɪn/
A general description or plan giving the essential features of something but not the detail; to draw or write such a plan.
Acts as a structural skeleton used to organize thoughts and arguments before diving into the actual writing process.
The story behind the word. The word 'outline' originally referred to the literal outer boundary of an object in a drawing. In the 18th century, writers began using the term metaphorically to describe a structural sketch of a text—drawing the 'outer lines' of their ideas before filling in the details.
Word relationships
- framework: A framework is a supporting structure, while an outline is a specific, written list of points.
- draft: A draft is a full-text attempt, whereas an outline is just a list of headings and bullet points.
- detail: Detail refers to the specific, granular information, whereas an outline only covers the high-level structure.
Commonly confused with
- summary: A summary is written after a text is finished to condense it, while an outline is usually written before to plan it.
Word family
- outlining (noun): The act of creating a structural plan.
Collocations
- detailed outline
- rough outline
- create an outline
- outline a plan
Example sentences
- "Before you begin writing your essay, you should create a detailed outline of your main arguments." A teacher advising a student on how to prepare for a major paper.
- "He quickly outlined the new marketing strategy on the whiteboard." A business manager presenting a project plan.
Memory hook
Think of drawing the 'outer lines' of a picture before you color it in. The outer lines of your ideas.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a highly detailed, finished piece of writing.
Fun facts
- In art, an 'outline drawing' is a drawing that consists only of lines, without any shading or color.
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