¹profile

noun pro·file \ˈprō-ˌfī(-ə)l\

: the shape of a head or face that is seen or drawn from the side

: the shape of something that is seen against a background

: a brief written description that provides information about someone or something

Full Definition of PROFILE

: a representation of something in outline; especially : a human head or face represented or seen in a side view

: an outline seen or represented in sharp relief : contour

: a side or sectional elevation: as

a : a drawing showing a vertical section of the ground

b : a vertical section of a soil from the ground surface to the underlying unweathered material

: a set of data often in graphic form portraying the significant features of something <a corporation's earnings profile>; especially : a graph representing the extent to which an individual exhibits traits or abilities as determined by tests or ratings

: a concise biographical sketch

: degree or level of public exposure <trying to keep a low profile> <a job with a high profile>

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Origin of PROFILE

Italian profilo, from profilare to draw in outline, from pro- forward (from Latin) + filare to spin, from Late Latin — more at file

First Known Use: 1645

Synonym Discussion of PROFILE

outline, contour, profile, silhouette mean the line that bounds and gives form to something. outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass <traced the outline of his hand>. contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled <a car with flowing contours>. profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background <a portrait of her face in profile>. silhouette suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined <photograph in silhouette against a bright sky>.