profile

¹pro·file

noun \ˈprō-ˌfī(-ə)l\

Definition of PROFILE

1

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

2

: an outline seen or represented in sharp relief : contour

3

: 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

4

: 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

5

: a concise biographical sketch

6

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

Examples of PROFILE

1. His profile is very unusual.
2. An image of the President's profile appears on the coin.
3. I read a profile of her in a magazine.

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

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

²profile

transitive verb

pro·filedpro·fil·ing

Definition of PROFILE

1

: to represent in profile or by a profile : produce (as by drawing, writing, or graphing) a profile of

2

: to shape the outline of by passing a cutter around

3

: to subject to profiling

— pro·fil·er noun

Examples of PROFILE

1. The mayor was profiled in the magazine last month.

First Known Use of PROFILE

1715