contour
/ˈkɒn.tʊə/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The shape or outline of something, especially the edges that show its form. It can also mean the shape of land or a surface.
- She traced the contour of the hill.
- The artist studied the face's contours.
- The map shows the land contours clearly.
verb
To follow the shape of something closely. It can also mean to shape something so it fits a curve or outline.
- The road contours along the coast.
- The dress contours her body gently.
- The river contours the valley.
Adinary Nuance
Contour is close to outline, shape, and form, but it often suggests a curved edge or a surface's natural lines. Use outline for a clear outside border, and shape for the whole form in general. Contour sounds a little more precise, and it is common in art, geography, and beauty writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Đường nét
- Spanish
- Contorno
- Chinese
- 轮廓
- Japanese
- 輪郭
- Korean
- 윤곽
Etymology
Contour came into English in the 1700s from French contour, meaning 'outline' or 'shape'. The French word came from Latin com- plus tornare, related to turning.
Common phrases
contour linecontour mapfacial contoursbody contour
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is contour the same as outline?
- Not exactly. Outline is the outside border, while contour often suggests a curved or flowing shape.
- Is contour used in geography?
- Yes. A contour line shows places of equal height on a map.
- Can contour be a verb?
- Yes. It means to follow or fit the shape of something.
- Is contour common in academic English?
- Yes, especially in geography, art, design, and beauty contexts.