Contours (en. Outlines)

/kɔ̃.tuʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

The edges or lines that define the shape of an object.

The contours of the mountain were clearly visible at sunset.

Les contours de la montagne étaient clairement visibles au coucher du soleil.

The characteristics or features of a face or body.

She accentuated the contours of her face with makeup.

Elle a accentué les contours de son visage avec du maquillage.

In drawing, the lines that form a sketch.

The artist traced the contours of his painting before adding colors.

L'artiste a tracé les contours de son tableau avant d'ajouter les couleurs.

From the Latin 'contourus', derived from 'con-' and 'tornos', meaning 'to turn'.

contours of a face

The apparent features that define a person's appearance.

contours d'un visage

lose one's contours

To become blurred or indistinct, often used to describe an image or memory.

perdre ses contours

embrace the contours

To match or adapt to the shapes of an object.

épouser les contours

to circumvent

To avoid an obstacle or difficulty.

contourner

to define

To specify or establish the contours of an idea or project.

définir

silhouette

Contour or shape of something, often used to describe a human form.

silhouette

The external appearance or visible features.

Look at the contours of this car, it's beautiful!

Regarde les contours de cette voiture, elle est magnifique !

A way to describe something undefined or blurry.

It's too blurry, you can't even see the contours.

C'est trop flou, on ne voit même pas les contours.