perfilar

Perfilar is a Spanish verb with several related uses centered on giving shape to a contour or defining characteristics. The most general meaning is to delineate the outline of an object, person, or plan, i.e., to sketch or outline with precision. In design and manufacturing, perfilar also denotes shaping or beveling the edge of a material to obtain a specific profile, as in perfilar una moldura o perfilar cantos.

Figuratively, perfilar can mean to draft, refine, or define a plan, strategy, or product. Thus one can perfilar un proyecto, perfilar metas para el año, or perfilar las características de un cliente o usuario in data analysis, marketing, or product development. The term is commonly used to imply precision and preparation in outlining later steps or attributes.

In military and organizational language, perfilarse can be reflexively used to indicate taking a position or forming a line, as in los soldados se perfilaron. It can also appear in a broader sense meaning to set purposes or orient oneself toward a goal, e.g., perfilarse hacia un objetivo.

Etimología: perfilar proviene del sustantivo perfil, que designa la silueta u contorno de una forma, y se deriva del sufijo -ar que forma verbos. El sustantivo perfil, a su vez, se relaciona con términos europeos que comparten la idea de contorno o figura.

Vocabulario relacionado: delinear, esbozar, delimitar, definir, perfilado. En carpintería y diseño, perfilarse a menudo se acompaña de otros detalles técnicos para especificar el tipo de borde, borde decorativo o acabado deseado.