Identify vs. Outline: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
To identify is to recognize or be able to name someone or something, whereas to outline is to give a summary of something, highlighting its main points or features.
Key Differences
To identify is fundamentally about recognition and naming or establishing the identity of something or someone. It involves distinguishing and naming individuals, objects, or concepts based on specific characteristics or features. On the other hand, to outline is to present a summarized overview or a main structure of a subject, highlighting its principal elements or points. Outline provides a sketch or a framework, revealing the overall picture or structure of the subject matter.
Identifying requires a detailed understanding or knowledge of the specific characteristics, features, or traits that define the subject. It is a process of distinguishing and naming based on specific criteria or attributes. Conversely, outlining involves summarizing and focusing on the main points or elements, providing a skeletal view of the subject, and it does not necessarily require detailed knowledge of every attribute or characteristic of the subject matter.
While the act of identifying is more about discernment and recognition, outlining is about structuring and summarizing. Identifying is typically more precise, focusing on details to recognize or distinguish something or someone, whereas outlining is about providing a general overview, focusing on the main points or structure rather than the minute details.
In practical applications, you might identify a problem based on symptoms or signs and then outline the possible solutions, summarizing the main points or actions required. Hence, identifying and outlining can be interrelated processes, where identification is used for recognition and distinction, and outlining is used for structuring and summarizing information or plans.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To recognize or establish the identity of something.
To give a summary or skeletal structure of something.
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Focus
On specific characteristics or features.
On main points or elements.
Detail Level
More detailed and specific.
More generalized and summarized.
Nature
More about discernment and recognition.
More about structuring and summarizing.
Application
Used for recognition and distinction.
Used for providing overviews and summaries.
Identify and Outline Definitions
Identify
To recognize or be able to name someone or something.
The detective was able to identify the suspect from the security footage.
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Outline
To arrange the parts or details of something systematically.
She outlined her proposal for the new project.
Identify
To associate or affiliate closely with.
She identifies strongly with her cultural heritage.
Outline
To provide a general plan or main features of something.
The brochure outlines the services provided by the company.
Identify
To prove the identity of.
The scientist identified the substance as a rare mineral.
Outline
To give a summary of something, highlighting its main points.
The professor will outline the main concepts of the lecture.
Identify
To ascertain the origin, nature, or definitive characteristics of.
The research aims to identify the causes of the disease.
Outline
A line indicating the outer contours or boundaries of an object or figure
Could see the outlines of an animal in the dark.
Identify
To consider as identical or united; equate.
The law identifies theft with the unlawful taking of property.
Outline
A style of drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading.
Identify
To establish or recognize the identity of; ascertain as a certain person or thing
Can you identify what kind of plane that is? I identified the man at the next table as a famous actor.
Outline
A sketch done in this style.
Identify
(Biology) To determine the taxonomic classification of (an organism).
Outline
A summary of a text or subject, usually presented in headings and subheadings.
Identify
To ascertain as having a certain characteristic or feature
Job candidates who are identified as overqualified.
Children who have been identified with hearing loss.
Outline
A preliminary draft or plan, as of a project or proposal.
Identify
To consider as identical or united; equate
The Greek god Ares is identified with the Roman god Mars.
Outline
To draw or trace an outline of.
Identify
To associate or affiliate closely with
Writers who are identified with modernism.
Outline
To display or accentuate the outline of
His face was outlined on the lampshade.
Identify
To consider oneself as sharing certain characteristics or attitudes as another
She identifies strongly with her grandmother.
Outline
To give the main features or various aspects of; summarize
Outlined the major provisions of the tax bill.
Identify
To associate oneself with or admire something, such as a set of ideas
A language learner who identifies with a new culture.
Outline
A line marking the boundary of an object figure.
Identify
To believe or assert that one belongs to a certain group or class
She identifies as a libertarian. He identifies as bisexual.
Outline
The outer shape of an object or figure.
Identify
(transitive) To establish the identity of someone or something.
It was hard to identify the shoplifter because the CCTV records didn't have a clear image.
Outline
A sketch or drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading.
Identify
(transitive) To disclose the identity of someone.
The Associated Press will not identify the suspect of the crime because he is a juvenile.
Outline
A general description of some subject.
Identify
To establish the taxonomic classification of an organism.
Outline
A statement summarizing the important points of a text.
Identify
(transitive) To equate or make the same; to unite or combine into one.
Outline
A preliminary plan for a project.
The outline of a speech
Identify
(reflexive) To have a strong affinity with; to feel oneself to be modelled on or connected to.
Outline
(film) A prose telling of a story intended to be turned into a screenplay; generally longer and more detailed than a treatment.
Identify
(intransitive) To associate oneself with some group; to feel, or believe one feels, the same way.
Outline
(fishing) A setline or trotline.
Identify
To claim an identity; to describe oneself as a member of a group; to assert the use of a particular term to describe oneself.
Outline
(transitive) To draw an outline of.
Identify
To make to be the same; to unite or combine in such a manner as to make one; to treat as being one or having the same purpose or effect; to consider as the same in any relation.
Every precaution is taken to identify the interests of the people and of the rulers.
Let us identify, let us incorporate ourselves with the people.
Outline
(transitive) To summarize.
Wikipedia items featuring books usually outline them after giving their background.
Identify
To establish the identity of; to prove to be the same with something described, claimed, or asserted; as, to identify stolen property.
Outline
To optimize for size by replacing repeated code fragments with function calls.
Identify
To become the same; to coalesce in interest, purpose, use, effect, etc.
Outline
The line which marks the outer limits of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour.
Painters, by their outlines, colors, lights, and shadows, represent the same in their pictures.
Identify
To coalesce in interest, purpose, use, effect, etc.; to associate oneself in name, goals, or feelings; usually used with with; as, he identified with the grief she felt at her father's death.
An enlightened self-interest, which, when well understood, they tell us will identify with an interest more enlarged and public.
Outline
Fig.: A sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan, system, discourse, course of thought, etc.; as, the outline of a speech.
But that larger grief . . .Is given in outline and no more.
Identify
Recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something;
She identified the man on the 'wanted' poster
Outline
To draw the outline of.
Identify
Give the name or identifying characteristics of; refer to by name or some other identifying characteristic property;
Many senators were named in connection with the scandal
The almanac identifies the auspicious months
Outline
Fig.: To sketch out or indicate as by an outline; to create a general framework of (a plan, system, discourse, course of thought), for which the details need to be added; as, to outline an argument or a campaign.
Identify
Consider (oneself) as similar to somebody else;
He identified with the refugees
Outline
The line that appears to bound an object
Identify
Conceive of as united or associated;
Sex activity is closely identified with the hypothalamus
Outline
A sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
Identify
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Outline
A schematic or preliminary plan
Identify
Consider to be equal or the same;
He identified his brother as one of the fugitives
Outline
Describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of;
Sketch the outline of the book
Outline his ideas
Outline
Draw up an outline or sketch for something;
Draft a speech
Outline
Trace the shape of
Outline
To draw or trace the outer edge of a shape or object.
The artist outlined the figure with a pencil.
Outline
To delineate or depict the main attributes or features of something.
The report outlines the impact of climate change on marine life.
FAQs
Is an outline the same as a summary?
They are similar, but an outline tends to be more structured, presenting main points in an organized manner.
Is identifying only about individuals or objects?
No, identifying can also involve concepts, ideas, or issues.
Is an outline always brief?
Typically, yes. An outline is a summary, highlighting main points, but it can vary in length.
Is identifying always objective?
No, identifying can sometimes involve subjective judgment or interpretation.
Can you create an outline for a plan?
Absolutely, outlining is a common way to structure and summarize plans.
Is identifying always about naming?
No, identifying can also involve recognizing or distinguishing without naming.
Can identifying involve grouping similar things together?
Yes, identifying can involve associating things based on shared characteristics.
Can an outline be detailed?
Yes, while typically a brief summary, outlines can include subpoints for more detail.
Is identifying a cognitive process?
Yes, identifying involves cognitive processes such as recognition and discrimination.
Can an outline be in paragraph form?
Yes, while often in list form, an outline can also be written as a structured paragraph.
Can an outline include visual elements?
Yes, an outline can incorporate diagrams or charts to depict information.
Does identifying always require prior knowledge?
Typically, yes. Identifying usually involves recognizing based on prior knowledge or experience.
Can identifying involve self-recognition?
Yes, one can identify aspects or characteristics within oneself.
Can an outline serve as a blueprint?
Yes, an outline can act as a structured guide or blueprint for further development.
Can you identify without knowing the name?
Yes, you can recognize or distinguish something based on characteristics without knowing its name.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
