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

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

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

"Bible maps delineating the territories of the twelve tribes were powerful agents in the development and spread of these ideas," MacDonald says.

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

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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.

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

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

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Related Words

• define 
• depict 
• lay out 
• limn