Spell Bee Word: silhouette

Basic Details

Word: Silhouette

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: A dark shape or outline of a person or object against a lighter background.

Synonyms: Outline, profile, shadow

Antonyms: Detail, light, brightness

Idioms and Phrases

1. Behind the silhouette: Refers to someone or something that is not clearly visible, often overshadowed by another. Example: "While he was in the spotlight, she stayed behind the silhouette, quietly supporting him."
2. In the shadows of a silhouette: Means to be influenced or overshadowed by someone else’s success. Example: "Even though she did not get the award, she thrived in the shadows of a silhouette, always cheering for her friend."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The artist created a beautiful painting that featured the silhouette of a tree against the setting sun.

Example 2: As the evening fell, the silhouette of the castle stood majestically against the darkening sky.

Example 3: The children played outside until their silhouettes danced on the wall under the street lamp.

Fun Fact

The word "silhouette" comes from Étienne de Silhouette, a French finance minister in the 18th century, and it originally referred to cheap portraits made in profile to avoid costly painted portraits.

Famous Quote

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can." Danny Kaye

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "silhouette" mean?

a) A clear picture
b) A dark shape against a lighter background
c) A type of animal
d) A light source

Answer: b) A dark shape against a lighter background

2. Which of these is a synonym of "silhouette"?

a) Light
b) Shadow
c) Colour
d) Brightness

Answer: b) Shadow

3. What is an antonym of "silhouette"?

a) Outline
b) Detail
c) Profile
d) Shape

Answer: b) Detail

4. Which sentence uses "silhouette" correctly?

a) The silhouette of the mountain could be seen from far away.
b) The silhouette tasted delicious.
c) She drew a silhouette in her science class.
d) The silhouette ran very fast.

Answer: a) The silhouette of the mountain could be seen from far away.

5. What does the idiom "in the shadows of a silhouette" mean?

a) To be in a dark place
b) To be overshadowed by someone else’s success
c) To shine brightly
d) To be confused

Answer: b) To be overshadowed by someone else’s success