Profile Meaning
Profile Definition & Usage
A side view of a person or thing, especially showing their face or outline.
Examples
- "The artist drew a detailed profile of the woman’s face."
- "We could only see his profile from the side."
- "The police sketch artist created a profile of the suspect based on witness descriptions."
- "In the portrait, the profile of the king was carved into the stone."
- "He paused, his profile lit by the streetlight as he looked out over the city."
A summary or description of someone or something, often used for identification or categorization.
Examples
- "Her LinkedIn profile showcases her professional achievements."
- "I updated my social media profile with a new photo."
- "The company’s online profile highlights its values and mission statement."
- "The app allows you to create a detailed profile to personalize your experience."
- "He checked her profile on the dating site before sending a message."
To describe or summarize the characteristics or features of someone or something.
Examples
- "The police officer profiled the suspect based on his appearance and behavior."
- "The report profiles the company’s growth over the last five years."
- "The book profiles several important historical figures."
- "She was profiled in a magazine article for her contributions to science."
- "They profiled the city’s cultural transformation in the documentary."
Cultural Context
The word 'profile' originates from the Latin 'profilare,' meaning to draw in a straight line or outline. It has evolved in modern usage to refer to both physical depictions (e.g., a side view of a person) and digital or professional summaries (e.g., user profiles). Its usage spans across art, business, online identity, and even law enforcement.
The Profile Puzzle
Story
The Profile Puzzle
In a small city tucked between mountains and forests, Detective Laura Sinclair had always prided herself on her keen eye for detail. She was known for her ability to profile suspects like no other officer in the department. It wasn’t just about the facts; it was about the subtleties—the little things that others overlooked. Her latest case was no different. A local businessman had disappeared without a trace, leaving only a cryptic note behind. Laura spent the evening studying his profile—his business records, his social media presence, even his personal connections. The more she looked, the more she realized that the man’s public persona didn’t match his private life. His LinkedIn profile painted him as an upstanding citizen, but his encrypted messages told a different story. Meanwhile, as she sat in her office, Laura couldn’t help but admire the digital profiles of some of her colleagues on the department's internal network. It was strange to think that every piece of information—every profile—was a puzzle, a snapshot of someone’s life. Yet some profiles told the truth, and some… didn’t. Determined to crack the case, Laura took a trip to the city’s outskirts. She walked along a trail that led to a small café where the missing businessman was known to frequent. There, she met a woman who had once been close to him. ‘He had a very interesting profile,’ the woman said. ‘On the outside, he was all business. But in private, he was someone else. Someone desperate.' The conversation sent Laura down a new path. She started to profile the businessman’s behavior more closely, and soon, it became clear that his disappearance wasn’t voluntary. It was a planned escape—an escape from the life he had created online, a life he could no longer bear to live. Laura returned to the police station and, with newfound resolve, prepared her report. As she profiled the businessman’s final steps, she realized that sometimes, a profile isn’t just about the face you show to the world. It’s about the hidden parts that, if you’re lucky enough to see them, reveal the truth beneath the surface.
Related Words
