Contour
/ˈkɒntʊər/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe outline or shape of something; the external boundary of a figure or form.
/ˈkɒntʊər/
The outline of a figure or body, or the surface features of a region.
The artist carefully studied the contours of the landscape.
💡 Simply: Imagine drawing the outside lines of a person or a mountain. That line is a contour! It's like the shape the thing has.
👶 For kids: The shape of something, like the outline of a mountain!
More Examples
The mountain's contours were clearly visible from the air.
The contours of her face were highlighted by the setting sun.
How It's Used
"The map showed the contours of the mountain range."
"The artist sketched the contour of the model's face."
"She used makeup to contour her cheekbones."
To shape or mold something to fit or conform to a particular outline.
/kənˈtʊər/
To shape or mold something into a particular form or outline.
The artist carefully contoured the clay to create a sculpture.
💡 Simply: When you contour, you're using something to make something else appear a certain way. Like, makeup to sculpt a face.
👶 For kids: To make something have a certain shape, like molding clay.
More Examples
She used makeup to contour her face for the photoshoot.
The landscape had been contoured to prevent erosion.
How It's Used
"She contoured her cheekbones to make them appear more defined."
"The road was contoured to follow the natural slope of the land."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
contour lines
Lines on a map or chart connecting points of equal elevation.
"The map uses contour lines to show the altitude of different areas."
contour drawing
An artistic technique that emphasizes the outline of an object or subject.
"The art student practiced contour drawing to improve his skills."
From French *contour* meaning 'outline', from Italian *contorno* meaning 'outline, boundary', ultimately from Latin *contornare* meaning 'to round, to encircle'.
The term 'contour' has been used in art and cartography for centuries, indicating the importance of outlining and representing shapes and features.
Memory tip
Think of the 'outline' you draw around something.
Word Origin
"outline, boundary"