define the contours

USAGE SUMMARY

"define the contours" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to establish or outline the shape, boundaries, or parameters of something. Example: In order to create a realistic portrait, the artist must first define the contours of the subject's face.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Kind of hard to define the contours of that one, right?

The Guardian - Opinion

ONE THING elections help do is to define the contours of the politically possible.

The Economist

The three options define the contours of a debate that has played out in public for more than two months.

The New York Times

Both unsupervised and supervised segmentations are used to define the contours of objects.

Pattern Recognition

The threat of climate change "could define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other", he added.

The Guardian

"[We want] a declaration that, for all the challenges we face, climate change could define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

If an image that doesn't have physical coordinates (e.g. an optical image) is used to define the contour levels, the output is in logical coordinates.

Harvard University

This system features a new contour interpolation algorithm, which enables the user to define the contour of a VO on multiple frames while the computer interpolates the missing contours of this object on every frame automatically.

Signal Processing: Image Communication

As far as the quality of the profile is concerned, some indices can be used to define the contour and for the rock mass in the boundary as well.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

We will first define the contour of an intrinsically flat V1.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

In our case, standard operators of translation and/or rotation are employed to enhance the points (pixels) that define the contour of the dorsal fin in the images.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "define the contours" when you want to emphasize the process of clarifying the essential aspects or boundaries of a concept, plan, or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "define the contours" in situations where simpler verbs like "describe" or "outline" would suffice. It's best suited for scenarios involving abstraction and complex planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define the contours" functions as a verb phrase, where "define" is the transitive verb and "the contours" serves as the direct object. It expresses the action of clarifying or outlining the shape or boundaries of something. Ludwig examples support the expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "define the contours" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the act of clarifying or outlining the essential aspects of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While interchangeable with alternatives like "establish the boundaries" or "outline the parameters", it's best suited for situations requiring precision and detail. When using the expression, bear in mind its formal tone and relevance to abstract or complex subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the boundaries

Focuses more specifically on setting limits or borders.

outline the parameters

Emphasizes setting the scope and limits of something.

delineate the scope

Highlights clarifying the extent or range of a topic.

specify the characteristics

Concentrates on identifying key features or attributes.

determine the limits

Stresses the act of finding out the restrictions.

clarify the framework

Implies making the underlying structure more understandable.

set the guidelines

Focuses on establishing rules or principles.

shape the direction

Implies influencing or guiding the course of something.

formulate the structure

Highlights creating an organized system.

establish the framework

Emphasizes creating an underlying structure.

FAQs

How can I use "define the contours" in a sentence?

You can use "define the contours" to describe clarifying the main aspects of a topic, for example: "The lecture helped to define the contours of quantum physics".

What can I say instead of "define the contours"?

You can use alternatives like "establish the boundaries", "outline the parameters", or "delineate the scope" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to "define the contours" or "establish the contours"?

Both "define the contours" and "establish the contours" are appropriate. "Define" emphasizes clarification, while "establish" highlights the act of setting something in place. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it best to use "define the contours"?

"Define the contours" is most appropriate in formal or academic settings when discussing abstract concepts, strategic planning, or policy development. It's less suitable for informal conversation.