Profiled
ˈprəʊfaɪld
Definitions
2 meaningsTo write or create a biographical sketch of a person or thing; to describe or present a person or thing's characteristics.
ˈprəʊfaɪld
To create a short descriptive or biographical sketch of someone or something.
The magazine profiled several successful entrepreneurs.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling your friends about someone new. When you 'profile' them, you're giving them the most interesting bits: what they do, what they like, and why they're cool! Like giving someone the VIP tour of a person!
👶 For kids: To tell someone all about a person or thing.
More Examples
The documentary profiled the lives of endangered animals.
The police were trying to profile the suspect based on witness descriptions.
How It's Used
"The newspaper profiled the local hero who saved the children from the burning building."
"The company website profiled the new CEO."
To collect and analyze data about someone, often to predict their behavior or characteristics, especially by examining patterns or characteristics.
ˈprəʊfaɪld
To record and analyze data on a person, especially for the purpose of predicting or assessing their behavior.
The software profiled the customer's buying habits.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to guess what your friend will do next. When you 'profile' someone this way, you're using their past behavior and information to make a smart guess about their future actions!
👶 For kids: To learn all about someone to figure out what they might do.
More Examples
Security forces profiled the suspect's digital footprint.
The intelligence agency profiled the foreign diplomat.
How It's Used
"The police profiled potential suspects based on their behavior and criminal history."
"The company's system profiled user behavior to identify potential security threats."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From French *profiler*, from Italian *profilare*, from *profilo* ('profile'), ultimately from Latin *fīlum* ('thread').
The verb 'profile' has evolved over time, initially referring to creating a biographical sketch and later expanding to encompass analysis and assessment, particularly in fields like law enforcement and marketing.
Memory tip
Think of 'profile' pictures – you're highlighting the main aspects of someone's 'profile' when you profile them.
Word Origin
"To draw in outline; to describe in a biographical sketch; to characterize"