English · Culture & Society

outline

/ˈaʊt.laɪn/

[/ˈaʊt.laɪn/]

a plan of main points

Intermediatenoun

Definition

An outline is a short plan that lists the main points of a piece of work. As a verb, to outline means to give the main points without details.

Example

Make an outline before you start writing your essay.

Make an outline before you start writing your essay.

Etymology

From 'out' plus 'line', describing a line drawn around the edge.

How & Where It’s Used

Used both for planning writing and as an exam command word.

Watch “a plan of main points” pronunciation on YouTube
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