'大纲' (dà gāng) literally combines '大' (dà), meaning 'great' or 'major', and '纲' (gāng), meaning 'main thread' or 'guiding principle'. Together, they form a compound noun meaning 'outline'—a structured summary that captures the essential points and logical flow of a larger work, such as a course, book, speech, or research project. It emphasizes hierarchy and organization: the 'main thread' around which details are arranged.

This term is widely used in academic and professional settings. Teachers prepare a course '大纲' to define learning objectives, weekly topics, readings, and assessments. Writers draft a '大纲' before composing an essay or novel to maintain coherence. Unlike informal notes or bullet lists, a '大纲' implies intentional structure, authority, and official or pedagogical function—it’s often formally distributed or required by institutions.