Definition

1. Noun:

   • A vertical section or representation of a structure: A profile can show the different layers or horizons of something, such as the Earth's crust, in a side view.
   • The degree of public attention or visibility: The level of prominence or notice someone or something receives.
   • A biographical sketch: A short description of a person's life, character, or career.
   • An outline of a shape, especially a human face as seen from the side: The distinctive contour or shape of something when viewed from the side.
   • An analysis representing characteristics: A set of data, often presented graphically, that shows the extent to which something exhibits various features or traits.

2. Verb:

   • To represent or show in profile: To draw, paint, or depict the outline of something, especially a side view.
   • To write or produce a descriptive sketch of: To describe the main characteristics or events in the life of a person or thing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The geologist studied the soil profile to understand its composition.
  • The company is trying to keep a low profile during the investigation.
  • The magazine published a profile of the new CEO.
  • She has a classic Roman profile with a straight nose.
  • The police developed a psychological profile of the suspect.

• Verb:

  • The artist profiled the model's face against the window light.
  • The article profiles several leading scientists in the field.

Advanced Usage

• "To keep a low profile": To avoid attracting public attention.

  • After the scandal, the politician decided to keep a low profile.

• "To have a high profile": To be very noticeable or receive a lot of public attention.

  • The new environmental campaign has a very high profile.

Variants and Related Words

• Profiling (n): The act or process of creating a profile, especially of a person or group.

  • Racial profiling by police is a controversial practice.

• Profile (adj): Used in compounds to describe something related to a side view or outline.

  • A profile view of the building.

Synonyms

• Noun: Outline, contour, silhouette, sketch, biography, visibility, analysis.
• Verb: Outline, sketch, depict, describe, portray.

Related Phrases

• Profile picture: A photograph or image representing a user on a social network or website.

  • She changed her profile picture to a photo from her vacation.

• Job profile: A description of the duties, skills, and qualifications required for a particular job.

  • The job profile listed five years of experience as a requirement.

Idioms

• Fit the profile: To match the description or set of characteristics.

  • The suspect fits the profile of the serial robber.

• Raise one's profile: To increase one's public visibility or reputation.

  • The award helped raise the young author's profile significantly.

Noun

1. a vertical section of the Earth's crust showing the different horizons or layers
2. degree of exposure to public notice
   • that candidate does not have sufficient visibility to win an election
3. biographical sketch
4. an outline of something (especially a human face as seen from one side)
5. an analysis (often in graphical form) representing the extent to which something exhibits various characteristics
   • a biochemical profile of blood
   • a psychological profile of serial killers

Verb

1. represent in profile, by drawing or painting
2. write about
   • The author of this article profiles a famous painter