outline English · revision 15062

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=1662}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: noun /ˈaʊt.laɪn/; verb /ˈaʊt.laɪn/, /ˌaʊtˈlaɪn/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[out-]] and [[line]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The lines by which a figure is drawn: 1662 in the OED and Merriam-Webster, the 1660s in Etymonline.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Literally the outer line, it was used freely for the main or distinguishing lines of something.^(Etymonline) The main features of a subject are its outlines from 1710,^(OED 1989) a sketch in outline from 1735,^(OED 1989) and a rough draft in words from 1759.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) The single contour is from 1828,^(OED 1989) a shorthand outline from 1850, and an outline typeface from 1878.^(OED 1989) The verb is from 1762, to draw in outline, and to describe in general terms from 1847.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1662 – the lines of a figure.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1735 – an outline drawing.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1759 – a rough draft in words.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1762 – to outline (verb).^(Etymonline)

+ * 1847 – to describe in general terms.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A line marking the outer edge of an object or figure; a [[contour]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A drawing that shows only the outer lines of things.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A general plan or summary; a [[draft]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Usually in the plural, the main features of an argument or work.^(Collins 2023)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # To draw or show the outline of.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To give the main features of; to [[summarize]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[reoutline]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[line]]

+ * [[out-]]

+ * [[profile]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}