silhouette
sil-oo-ET
/ˌsɪl.uˈet/
The overall outline, shape, or contour of a garment or person as seen against a background.
In fashion, it refers specifically to the structural profile and proportion created by clothing on the body.
The story behind the word. This word comes from Étienne de Silhouette, a notoriously frugal French finance minister under King Louis XV. Because his strict austerity measures angered the French public, his name became linked to cheap cutout portraits in black paper, which eventually became known as silhouettes.
Word relationships
- outline: 'Outline' is a generic term for any boundary shape, whereas 'silhouette' carries artistic and structural fashion connotations.
- detail: 'Detail' focuses on interior features rather than outer shape boundaries.
Commonly confused with
- shadow: A 'shadow' is cast on a surface by blocking light, while a 'silhouette' is the dark outline of an object itself seen against light.
Word family
- silhouetted (adjective): Outlined dark against a light background
Collocations
- A-line silhouette
- fitted silhouette
- dramatic silhouette
- hourglass silhouette
Example sentences
- "The designer introduced an exaggerated hourglass silhouette with wide shoulders and a pinched waist." Fashion Analysis
- "The model stood silhouetted against the bright studio backlight, emphasizing the dress profile." Visual Arts
Memory hook
SILENT OUTLINE against the sunset creates a SILHOUETTE. Outlined shape of a shadow.
When not to use
Do not use to describe interior surface details like stitching or beadwork.
Fun facts
- Before photography, paper cut silhouettes were the primary way ordinary people recorded portraits.
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