outline
verb [ T ]
uk/ˈaʊtlaɪn/ usto describe something, for example a new plan or idea, in a general way without giving too many details:
The government has outlined a series of environmental goals it is seeking to meet by 2020.
(be) outlined in sth Recommendations outlined in the recent report have angered investors.
outline a plan/proposal/strategy Senior figures from the energy industry will hold a public meeting to outline plans to build a $300m plant.
outline the terms of sth The Department of Agriculture yesterday outlined the terms of a new consent agreement.
(be) outlined by sb/sth The commission's position was outlined by its general counsel, Julie Hodgkins.
(be) outlined above/below When planning objectives, it's a good idea to use a checklist to ensure that you meet the criteria outlined above.
outline how/what/when, etc. The Pensions Board will be obliged to outline how future pensions systems might operate.
if a drawing or diagram outlines something, it shows its general appearance or shape:
Maps filed with the Planning Commission outline a 154,000-square-foot hospital that could eventually be on the site's northern end.
outline
noun [ C or U ]
uk/ˈaʊtlaɪn/ usa description of the main facts about something, for example a new plan or idea:
The outline calls for city government to lead by example, as well as to encourage the private sector to embrace conservation.
Terms of the deal between NATO and the European Union seem clear in outline, although agreeing on details may prove more difficult.
the outline(s) of a deal/proposal/settlement, etc. Officials agree that the broad outlines of a deal on agriculture need to be in place by July.
the outline(s) of what/why/how, etc. Fund managers have been asked to prepare a document containing an outline of how investment professionals make decisions.
broad/brief/general outline(s) The House Speaker endorsed the broad outlines of the new taxation program.
an outline for change/reform/the future In spite of a tight deadline, the working party succeeded in delivering a practical and common-sense outline for reform.
an outline agreement/deal
a series of lines or shapes on a drawing or diagram that show the general appearance of something, for example, a building, machine, etc.:
Figure 8 shows the outline of the proposed extension.
an outline design