contour
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The outline or shape of something, especially its curving or irregular boundary.
A line on a map joining points of equal height, value, or other measurement; the general structure or form of something; to shape or follow the outline of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun, but also used as a verb and attributively (e.g., contour line, contour map). In everyday use, it often relates to shape, form, or topography. In technical contexts (cartography, engineering, design), it is a precise term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb usage ('to contour') is slightly more common in American English, especially in beauty/makeup and design contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of precision, measurement, and defined shape. In AmE, 'contouring' is strongly associated with makeup techniques.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to broader application in commercial/beauty industries.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] of [N] (the contour of the hills)[V] [N] (to contour the land)[ADJ] [N] (a contour map)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for 'contour']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in design, manufacturing, and marketing (e.g., 'The new phone has sleek contours.').
Academic
Common in geography, geology, art, and engineering (e.g., 'Analysing the contour lines reveals the valley's depth.').
Everyday
Describing shapes of objects, landscapes, or faces (e.g., 'She followed the contour of the path.').
Technical
Precise term in cartography (contour lines), makeup (contouring), and aerodynamics (contoured surfaces).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The road was carefully contoured to the hillside.
- The geologist contoured the data to create a relief map.
American English
- She contoured her cheekbones with bronzer.
- The architect contoured the building to fit the landscape.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Contourwise' is extremely rare and non-standard.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- He studied the contour diagram of the seabed.
- The chair has excellent contour support.
American English
- She bought a contour pillow for neck pain.
- The contour gauge helped replicate the moulding's shape.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The contour of the hill was clear against the sky.
- Draw the contour of your hand on the paper.
- On the map, the contour lines are very close together, which means the slope is steep.
- The car's sleek contours make it look fast.
- The artist captured the subtle contours of the model's face with great skill.
- Agricultural practices must adapt to the natural contours of the land to prevent erosion.
- The report meticulously traced the contours of the emerging political crisis.
- By contouring the data, we can visualise the pressure gradients within the system.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TOUR around a mountain. A CONTOUR line shows you the shape you would TOUR.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPE IS A LINE (e.g., mapping the contours of an argument).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'контурный' in all contexts; for 'contour map' use 'топографическая карта'. The verb 'to contour' has no direct single-word equivalent; use 'очерчивать', 'повторять контуры', or 'контурировать' (beauty context).
Common Mistakes
- Mispronunciation: /kənˈtaʊər/ (incorrect). Confusing 'contour' with 'counter'. Using it as a verb where 'shape' or 'outline' is more natural (e.g., 'He contoured the plan' sounds odd).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'contour' most likely used as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is common in technical, academic, and descriptive contexts (C1 level). It is less common in casual conversation, where 'shape' or 'outline' might be used instead.
'Shape' is a more general, everyday term for a form. 'Contour' specifically emphasises the outline or surface configuration, often with a sense of measurement, precision, or following a curve. A contour describes the *boundary* of a shape.
Yes, metaphorically. You can talk about 'the contours of an argument', 'the contours of a career', or 'the contours of public opinion', meaning their general structure, form, or development.
In British English: /ˈkɒn.tʊər/ (KON-toor). In American English: /ˈkɑːn.tʊr/ (KAHN-toor). The stress is always on the first syllable.
Explore