Outline vs. Profile — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
An outline sketches the general shape or structure, focusing on borders and form, while a profile details a side view or specific aspects of a subject.
Difference Between Outline and Profile
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An outline provides a simplified depiction, emphasizing the external boundaries or the basic structure of an object, concept, or plan. On the other hand, a profile presents a more detailed representation from a specific viewpoint, often highlighting unique features or characteristics of a subject when viewed from the side.
In writing, creating an outline involves listing main ideas, arguments, or the sequence of topics in a structured format, without going into detailed descriptions. Whereas, writing a profile entails a focused, detailed description of a person, place, or thing, often capturing its essence or key attributes from a particular angle or perspective.
When discussing visual arts, an outline is used to sketch the preliminary shape of an artwork, laying the foundation without delving into details. In contrast, a profile in visual arts refers to a depiction of an object or person from a side view, focusing on specific contours and distinguishing features.
In the context of planning or strategy, an outline serves as a blueprint, providing a broad overview of the intended approach or structure. Conversely, a profile in this context might refer to a detailed analysis or description of a particular element, such as a customer profile, highlighting specific characteristics or behaviors.
The term "outline" implies a focus on form, structure, and the overall framework, aiming to organize or conceptualize general aspects. On the other hand, "profile" implies a focus on depth, specifics, and nuanced understanding of a particular aspect or viewpoint.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A simplified depiction focusing on general shape or structure
A detailed representation from a specific viewpoint, often a side view
Purpose
To provide a broad overview or framework
To detail specific aspects or characteristics
Usage
In planning, writing, and preliminary sketches
In detailed descriptions, side views in art, and focused analyses
Focus
On the borders, structure, and overall form
On specific features, attributes, or perspectives
Common Contexts
Writing plans, sketches, conceptual frameworks
Biographies, character studies, side views in art
Compare with Definitions
Outline
General sketch or plan.
The architect presented the building's outline during the meeting.
Profile
Detailed description from one aspect.
The journalist wrote a profile on the city's mayor.
Outline
Framework for a project.
The team developed an outline for the marketing strategy.
Profile
Analysis of characteristics.
The study included a profile of typical customer behaviors.
Outline
Preliminary sketch.
The artist begins with a simple outline before adding details.
Profile
Side view representation.
The sculpture captured the emperor's profile perfectly.
Outline
Structural overview.
The course outline was distributed on the first day of class.
Profile
Personal or character sketch.
The book features profiles of various historical figures.
Outline
Summary of main points.
The professor asked for an outline of the thesis chapter.
Profile
Specific aspect focus.
The camera's profile setting adjusts for side lighting.
Outline
A line indicating the outer contours or boundaries of an object or figure
Could see the outlines of an animal in the dark.
Profile
A side view of an object or structure, especially of the human head.
Outline
A style of drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading.
Profile
A representation of an object or structure seen from the side.
Outline
A sketch done in this style.
Profile
An outline of an object.
Outline
A summary of a text or subject, usually presented in headings and subheadings.
Profile
Degree of exposure to public notice; visibility
Preferred to keep a low profile.
Outline
A preliminary draft or plan, as of a project or proposal.
Profile
A biographical account presenting the subject's most noteworthy characteristics and achievements.
Outline
To draw or trace an outline of.
Profile
A set of characteristics that identify or are thought to identify a particular type of person
The police assembled a profile of the car thief.
Outline
To display or accentuate the outline of
His face was outlined on the lampshade.
Profile
A formal summary or analysis of data, often in the form of a graph or table, representing distinctive features or characteristics
A biochemical profile of blood.
Outline
To give the main features or various aspects of; summarize
Outlined the major provisions of the tax bill.
Profile
(Geology) A vertical section of soil or rock showing the sequence of the various layers.
Outline
A line marking the boundary of an object figure.
Profile
To draw or shape a profile of.
Outline
The outer shape of an object or figure.
Profile
To produce a profile of
Profiled the singer in a magazine article.
Outline
A sketch or drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading.
Profile
To engage in the ethnic or racial profiling of (a person).
Outline
A general description of some subject.
Profile
(countable) The outermost shape, view, or edge of an object.
His fingers traced the profile of the handle.
Outline
A statement summarizing the important points of a text.
Profile
(countable) The shape, view, or shadow of a person's head from the side; a side view.
The brooch showed the profile of a Victorian woman.
Driver's licenses have a photograph of the person on them, which is in full face if the person is above legal drinking age, or in profile if not.
Outline
A preliminary plan for a project.
The outline of a speech
Profile
(countable) A summary or collection of information, especially about a person
Law enforcement assembled a profile of the suspect.
Outline
(film) A prose telling of a story intended to be turned into a screenplay; generally longer and more detailed than a treatment.
Profile
A specific page or field in which users can provide various types of personal information in software or Internet systems.
I just updated my Facebook profile to show I got engaged.
Outline
(fishing) A setline or trotline.
Profile
Reputation, prominence; noticeability.
Acting is, by nature, profession in which one must keep a high profile.
Outline
(transitive) To draw an outline of.
Profile
(uncountable) The amount by which something protrudes.
Choose a handle with a low profile so it does not catch on things.
Outline
(transitive) To summarize.
Wikipedia items featuring books usually outline them after giving their background.
Profile
(archaeology) A smoothed (e.g., troweled or brushed) vertical surface of an excavation showing evidence of at least one feature or diagnostic specimen; the graphic recording of such as by sketching, photographing, etc.
Outline
To optimize for size by replacing repeated code fragments with function calls.
Profile
Character; totality of related characteristics; signature; status (especially in scientific, technical, or military uses).
What's the thermal profile on that thing?
Outline
The line which marks the outer limits of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour.
Painters, by their outlines, colors, lights, and shadows, represent the same in their pictures.
Profile
(architecture) A section of any member, made at right angles with its main lines, showing the exact shape of mouldings etc.
Outline
Fig.: A sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan, system, discourse, course of thought, etc.; as, the outline of a speech.
But that larger grief . . .Is given in outline and no more.
Profile
(civil engineering) A drawing exhibiting a vertical section of the ground along a surveyed line, or graded work, as of a railway, showing elevations, depressions, grades, etc.
Outline
To draw the outline of.
Profile
(military slang) An exemption from certain types of duties due to injury or disability.
Outline
Fig.: To sketch out or indicate as by an outline; to create a general framework of (a plan, system, discourse, course of thought), for which the details need to be added; as, to outline an argument or a campaign.
Profile
(transitive) To create a summary or collection of information about (a person, etc.).
Outline
The line that appears to bound an object
Profile
To act based on such a summary, especially one that is a stereotype; to engage in profiling.
Outline
A sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
Profile
(transitive) To draw in profile or outline.
Outline
A schematic or preliminary plan
Profile
To give a definite form by chiselling, milling, etc.
Outline
Describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of;
Sketch the outline of the book
Outline his ideas
Profile
To measure the performance of various parts of (a program) so as to locate bottlenecks.
Outline
Draw up an outline or sketch for something;
Draft a speech
Profile
An outline, or contour; as, the profile of an apple.
Outline
Trace the shape of
Profile
A human head represented sidewise, or in a side view; the side face or half face.
Profile
A section of any member, made at right angles with its main lines, showing the exact shape of moldings and the like.
Profile
To draw the outline of; to draw in profile, as an architectural member.
Profile
To shape the outline of an object by passing a cutter around it.
Profile
An analysis (often in graphical form) representing the extent to which something exhibits various characteristics;
A biochemical profile of blood
A psychological profile of serial killers
Profile
A side view representation of an object (especially a human face)
Profile
Biographical sketch
Profile
Degree of exposure to public notice;
That candidate does not have sufficient visibility to win an election
He prefers a low profile
Profile
A vertical section of the Earth's crust showing the different horizons or layers
Profile
Write about;
The author of this article profiles a famous painter
Profile
Represent in profile, by drawing or painting
Common Curiosities
Can an outline be used in writing?
Yes, an outline in writing organizes main ideas or topics in a structured format without detailed descriptions.
What is a profile?
A profile is a detailed representation or description from a specific viewpoint, often focusing on a side view or specific characteristics.
What does a profile describe in journalism?
In journalism, a profile offers a detailed description of a person, place, or thing, capturing its essence from a particular angle.
Is a profile limited to visual representations?
No, profiles can also be textual descriptions, such as character sketches or detailed reports.
Can a profile be about a place?
Yes, profiles can detail specific aspects of a place, focusing on its unique characteristics or perspective.
What is an outline?
An outline is a simplified depiction or plan highlighting the general shape, structure, or main points of something.
How do outlines and profiles differ in purpose?
Outlines aim to provide a broad overview or framework, while profiles detail specific aspects or characteristics.
How do outlines aid in planning?
Outlines serve as blueprints, offering a structured overview of plans or projects to guide development.
Can one create a profile of an abstract concept?
Yes, abstract concepts can have profiles in terms of detailed analyses or descriptions of specific viewpoints or characteristics.
How are outlines used in academics?
Academics use outlines to organize lectures, research papers, or study materials systematically.
Is profiling ethical?
Ethical considerations in profiling depend on context, purpose, and consent, especially in data collection and analysis.
What's the significance of a profile in art?
In art, a profile specifically refers to the depiction of a subject from the side, highlighting contours and features.
What distinguishes a profile in social media?
A social media profile details an individual's personal information, interests, and activities, presenting a specific aspect of their identity.
Can an outline include details?
While an outline primarily focuses on the general framework, it may include brief details to guide the development of ideas.
How do outlines and profiles contribute to understanding a subject?
Outlines offer a structural understanding, while profiles provide depth and detail, both contributing to a comprehensive view.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
