delineate

[dih-lin-ee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

delineated, delineating 

1. 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.

2. to portray in words; describe or outline with precision.

   In her speech she delineated the city plan with great care.

delineate

/ dɪˈlɪnɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to trace the shape or outline of; sketch

2. to represent pictorially, as by making a chart or diagram; depict

3. to portray in words, esp with detail and precision; describe

Other Word Forms

• delineable adjective
• predelineate verb (used with object)
• undelineable adjective
• delineative adjective
• delineation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of delineate¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin dēlīneātus, equivalent to dē- de- + līneātus lineate

Word History and Origins

Origin of delineate¹

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

Example Sentences

Bezos has been more traditional, more delineated, like the crisp documents he famously wanted for discussions at Amazon’s meetings.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

You can delineate these bequests in a will or in a trust, but either way, the designated administrator becomes responsible for distributing the items and can be held accountable if things go missing.

Read more on MarketWatch

The paper is titled "A combined genomic arrhythmia propensity score delineates cumulative risk."

Read more on Science Daily

The five charts below delineate risks to the labor market, but also illustrate some positive points.

Read more on Barron's

The five charts below delineate risks to the labor market, but also illustrate her positive point.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• define 
• depict 
• lay out 
• limn