delineate

American  

[dih-lin-ee-eyt] / dɪˈlɪn iˌeɪt /

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.

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delineate British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of delineate

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

Example Sentences

The shape-shifting country was occupied by the czars and the British in the 19th century; the British stayed until after World War II and had a hand in delineating the oil-rich southern border with Iraq.

From The Wall Street Journal

Katie Smye, a researcher at the Bureau of Economic Geology, said there are areas of the Permian where injecting wastewater can be done safely and the industry must put more work into delineating these zones.

From The Wall Street Journal

Once production began in Louisiana in the spring of 2024, Jordan relied on Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter to delineate the twins from the outside in.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Sturridge is almost animalistic and at times absurdly funny in delineating Mat’s sudden and obsessive love; it seems to draw him to Anna with an almost overpowering force.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some countries delineate air identification defence zones, wherein they require foreign planes to identify themselves.

From BBC

Related Words

• define
• depict
• lay out
• limn