Meaning & Definition of word "Silhouette"

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    Silhouette

    /sɪluˈɛt/

    noun:

    • 1. A dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background.
      • Example: The silhouette of the mountain was striking against the sunset.
    • 2. A representation of something in which only the outline is shown, often filled with a solid color.
      • Example: The artist created a beautiful silhouette of a tree standing alone on the hill.
    • 3. The general shape or outline of an object, without detailed features.
      • Example: Her dress emphasized the silhouette of her figure beautifully.

    verb:

    • 1. To project or show as a silhouette.
      • Example: The flames silhouetted the firefighters as they battled the blaze.

    Etymology

    From the French word 'silhouette', named after Étienne de Silhouette, a French finance minister known for cheap portraiture.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    silhouette effect:

    The visual impact created by the dark outline against a bright background.

    silhouette portrait:

    A portrait consisting of only the outline and profile of a person's head.

    silhouette challenge:

    A popular social media trend involving showing a person's silhouette against a red backdrop.

    Related Words

    outline:

    A line marking the outer boundaries of an object.

    shadow:

    A dark area or shape caused by a body blocking rays of light.

    profile:

    The outline or contours of a face.

    Slang Meanings of silhouette

    Meaning: A way of referring to someone’s physical appearance as just an outline.

    Example Sentence: He's got that classic silhouette that you see in models.

    Meaning: Used to describe someone who has a very slim figure.

    Example Sentence: She’s got a silhouette like a runway model.