contour
contour — noun
1. A curving edge or surface that marks the outer form of an object — for instance,
A curving edge or surface that marks the outer form of an object — for instance, the line where a mountain meets the sky or the rounded sides of a vase.
Hyun traced the soft contour of the vase with her fingers.
The mountain's contour changed gradually as the sun moved across the sky.
possessive + contour for natural features
The contour of the coastline was clearly visible from the airplane window.
Chidi admired the elegant contour of the racing car's body.
Felipe studied the contour of the ancient pottery in the museum display.
- outline
more general; contour emphasizes curving or flowing shapes
- silhouette
refers specifically to a dark shape against a lighter background; more dramatic
- profile
suggests a side view, especially of a face or landscape
常見錯誤
2. On a map, a line that links points at an identical elevation above the ocean or
On a map, a line that links points at an identical elevation above the ocean or at an equal depth underwater, helping you picture hills, valleys, and other landforms.
The contour lines on the map were very close together near the river.
Hyun followed the five-hundred-metre contour to find the easiest hiking path.
number + unit + contour for elevation lines
Each contour on this map represents a change in height of twenty metres.
Rania studied the contour lines to plan the safest route up the mountain.
Where contours are far apart, the land rises very slowly and gently.
- contour line
full term used in cartography, same meaning but more technical
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'contours' to refer to the whole set of lines on a map.
3. The broad arrangement or overall pattern of something complicated, such as a pol
The broad arrangement or overall pattern of something complicated, such as a political situation, a piece of writing, or a plan, when viewed as a whole.
The essay traced the contour of political changes in the region.
contour of + abstract noun for metaphorical use
The general contour of the agreement became clear after weeks of talks.
We began to see the contour of a solution to the long-running dispute.
Élise described the contour of her career plan in a few clear sentences.
用法筆記
This abstract sense is common in formal or analytical writing. Distinguish from sense 1 (OUTER SHAPE), which is always about a visible physical object.
contour — verb
1. To give a surface a particular curved shape by making some areas higher and some
To give a surface a particular curved shape by making some areas higher and some lower, often to follow a natural form or for a practical purpose.
The gardener contoured the flower bed to match the gentle slope of the hill.
contour + object + to-infinitive for purpose
Anna contoured the clay until it formed the shape of a human face.
The road was carefully contoured to fit the natural shape of the valley.
Felipe contoured the garden path so rainwater would drain away from the house.
文法句型
contour + object
用法筆記
Often used in the passive form to describe how something was shaped by a designer or builder.
2. To match or run along the curves of an object or surface, or to build something
To match or run along the curves of an object or surface, or to build something so that it takes that curved line.
The chair was designed to contour to the shape of the human back.
contour to + noun for fitted design
The path contoured around the hill rather than going straight over it.
intransitive: contour around + noun
Imran contoured the garden wall to match the curve of the quiet street.
The running shoe contours to the natural shape of the foot for better comfort.
文法句型
contour + object
contour to + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (SHAPE SURFACE): sense 1 means actively changing a surface's shape, while sense 2 means fitting or following an already existing shape.
3. To apply makeup that adds shaded and lightened zones to the face, making feature
To apply makeup that adds shaded and lightened zones to the face, making features like the cheekbones, nose, or jaw stand out more or appear different.
Emily contoured her cheekbones with a dark powder and a light cream.
contour + body part with products
The makeup artist contoured the model's nose to make it look thinner.
Tamar learned to contour her jawline by watching online beauty videos.
Rania contoured her face before the wedding to give her features more depth.
- highlight and shade
describes the technique; contouring is the overall process, highlight and shade are the two specific steps
文法句型
contour + object (face part)
用法筆記
Very common in beauty and fashion contexts. The noun form 'contouring' is used as a technique name.
4. To mark a map or chart with lines connecting places that sit at the same distanc
To mark a map or chart with lines connecting places that sit at the same distance above or below the ocean, revealing the form of the terrain or seabed.
The surveyor contoured the entire valley for the updated hiking map.
The map was contoured at intervals of ten metres to show the hills clearly.
passive: was contoured at intervals of [distance]
Minh spent the afternoon contouring the section of coastline near the harbour.
The team contoured the area around the lake to update the navigation charts.
- map
more general; contouring is a specific technique within map-making
文法句型
contour + area
用法筆記
A technical term used mainly by surveyors, cartographers, and geologists. Distinguish from noun sense 2 (MAP LINE), which refers to the lines themselves rather than the act of drawing them.
contour — adjective
1. Following the natural shape of the land, especially referring to farming methods
Following the natural shape of the land, especially referring to farming methods that dig or plant along lines of equal height to reduce soil loss.
Contour farming helps prevent soil from washing away on steep hills.
contour + [technique] for agricultural methods
Farmers planted crops along contour rows to reduce water runoff.
The fields were arranged in contour strips across the hillside.
The farmer used contour ploughing to keep the soil on the hillside.
用法筆記
Almost always used as a modifier before a farming-related noun: 'contour farming', 'contour ploughing', 'contour rows', 'contour strips'.
2. Designed or shaped to match the exact curves of a person's body or an object, fo
Designed or shaped to match the exact curves of a person's body or an object, for improved comfort, fit, or function.
The contour mattress supports the natural curve of your spine while you sleep.
Hyun bought a contour chair that moulds to the shape of her body.
contour + noun for ergonomic products
The car has contour seats that hold the driver in place during sharp turns.
The contour pillow helped ease the pain in Ezra's neck after long work hours.
- ergonomic
broader — about overall efficiency and comfort in design, not just shape-fitting
用法筆記
Common in product descriptions for furniture, car seats, mattresses, and pillows. The adjective form does not have a comparative ('more contour').