outlined

Outlined is the past tense and past participle of outline. As an adjective, outlined describes something that has an outline or has been described in broad terms. The form signals that the act of outlining—drawing the outer shape or summarizing core points—has been completed.

Outline derives from the combination of out- and line, referring to the outer boundary or the principal framework of a subject. When something is outlined, its basic structure or boundary has been delineated.

Usage in writing and planning: In writing, a document or proposal can be outlined, meaning its main sections and points are arranged in a structured plan. In reporting or research, a topic may be outlined to show the sequence of ideas. In this sense, outlined often appears before the body of the work.

Usage in art, design, and UI: In visual art, an outlined drawing uses lines to define forms without shading; the term can describe silhouettes or borders. In design and user interfaces, outlined elements—such as buttons and cards—are rendered with a visible border instead of a filled background.

Other notes: The term emphasizes boundary, structure, or clarity. It is commonly used in both general and technical contexts, and it may modify nouns such as plan, map, drawing, or button.

Related terms include outline, line drawing, boundary, and border.