delineate

[dih-lin-ee-eyt]

See more synonyms for delineate on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), de·lin·e·at·ed, de·lin·e·at·ing.

to trace the outline of; sketch or trace in outline; represent pictorially: He delineated the state of Texas on the map with a red pencil.
to portray in words; describe or outline with precision: In her speech she delineated the city plan with great care.

Origin of delineate

1550–60; < Latin dēlīneātus, equivalent to dē- de- + līneātus lineate

Related formsde·lin·e·a·ble

[dih-lin-ee-uh-buh l] /dɪˈlɪn i ə bəl/, adjectivepre·de·lin·e·ate, verb (used with object), pre·de·lin·e·at·ed, pre·de·lin·e·at·ing.un·de·lin·e·a·ble, adjectiveun·de·lin·e·at·ed, adjectivewell-de·lin·e·at·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for delineate

depict, limn, define, portray, plot, draw, figure, trace, represent, detail, chart, mark, characterize, draft

Examples from the Web for delineate

Contemporary Examples of delineate

Stereotypes exist to delineate but also in order to be defied.
In Praise of ‘Awkward’: OMFG MTV, Like, Really Gets High School
Amy Zimmerman
June 20, 2014
Lapid has spent considerable effort trying to delineate the middle class—which many argued was a key component of his voter base.
How is Lapid Faring So Far?
Brent E. Sasley
April 25, 2013
Another helpful feature on the site is a glossary of terms that delineate the various stages of mall decrepitude.
What's in Store for the Suburban Mall?
Lee Eisenberg
March 18, 2009

Historical Examples of delineate

I dare not attempt to delineate the paroxysm of emotion which it excited in every heart.
Patrick Henry
Moses Coit Tyler
Again his pencil moved, and I knew he was attempting to delineate her features.
Ernest Linwood
Caroline Lee Hentz
He will be able to delineate the characters, consciences, and conduct of his neighbours.
Real Life In London, Volumes I. and II.
Pierce Egan
I have endeavoured to delineate his character so that it will be as an open book.
The Girl on the Boat
Pelham Grenville Wodehouse
We are not, but his ability we are in duty bound to delineate truthfully.
Hidden Treasures
Harry A. Lewis

British Dictionary definitions for delineate

delineate

verb (tr)

to trace the shape or outline of; sketch
to represent pictorially, as by making a chart or diagram; depict
to portray in words, esp with detail and precision; describe

Derived Formsdelineable, adjectivedelineation, noundelineative, adjective

Word Origin for delineate

C16: from Latin dēlīneāre to sketch out, from līnea line 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for delineate

1550s, from Latin delineatus, past participle of delineare "to sketch out," from de- "completely" (see de-) + lineare "draw lines," from linea "line" (see line (n.)). Related: Delineated; delineating.