delineated

American  

[dih-lin-ee-ey-tid] / dɪˈlɪn iˌeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. precisely traced or outlined.

   The crisply delineated form of the arch stands out against the soft clouds of steam that rise from the courtyard.

2. precisely defined or explained.

   The Shire ends at clearly delineated boundaries.

   Checklists are used to promote the recording and verification of delineated steps in tasks that, if improperly completed, could result in dangerous or damaging outcomes.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of delineate.

Other Word Forms

• undelineated
  adjective
• well-delineated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of delineated

delineate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

Delineated describes something that has been clearly portrayed or accurately represented. Read a love letter in which your admirer’s feelings are delineated, and you don’t have any doubt how the author feels about you. The word delineated can describe something — like a diagram or map — that was literally drawn clearly. More often, you will hear the word in relation to something less tangible — like how a character in a novel is delineated, or depicted, by an author, or a politician who gave a speech in which her position was delineated, or defined. You might try to remember the word delineated by thinking of it as something with clearly defined lines.

Example Sentences

As respects the yew-tree immediately concerned, some notices of its remains may be found in a work entitled The Severn Delineated, by Charles Taylor, Glasgow, 1831, at page 82.

From Notes and Queries, Number 210, November 5, 1853 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George

He had formed a connection with a bookseller named Baldwin, for whom he undertook to help in rewriting a book called Nature Delineated.

From The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3) James Mill by Stephen, Leslie, Sir

Among his chief works are England Delineated, General Biography in 10 vols., and lives of Selden and Ussher.

From A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature by Cousin, John W. (John William)

At Palmer’s he had set up a second edition of Wollaston’s Religion of Nature Delineated.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 1 "Franciscans" to "French Language" by Various

To which is added a Map of the World, in which is Delineated the Voyages of Robinson Crusoe.

From A Catalogue of Books in English Later than 1700 (Vol 1 of 3) Forming a portion of the library of Robert Hoe by Various

Related Words

• descriptive
• illustrated
• photographic
• visual
• vivid