n.
- an outline of something, especially a face, as seen from one side.
- a vertical cross section of something.
▸a flat outline piece of scenery on stage.
- a graphical or other representation of information recorded in quantified form.
▸a record of a person's psychological or behavioural characteristics, preferences, etc., so as to assess their capabilities or identify categories of people:
they had been using personal details to build customer profiles.
- a short descriptive article about someone.
- the extent to which a person or organization attracts public notice.
v.
- describe in a short article.
-
(be profiled)
appear in outline.
- shape by means of a tool guided by a template.
Phrase
- in profile
as seen from one side. - keep a low profile
remain inconspicuous.
Derivative
Etymology
C17: from obs. Ital. profilo, from profilare, from pro- ‘forth’ + filare ‘to spin’, formerly ‘draw a line’ (from L. filare, from filum ‘thread’).