delineate

[ dih-lin-ee-eyt ]

/ dɪˈlɪn iˌeɪt /

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See synonyms for: delineate / delineated / delineating 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.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of delineate

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

OTHER WORDS FROM delineate

de·lin·e·a·ble

[dih-lin-ee-uh-buhl], /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, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use delineate in a sentence

It’s much easier to make note of the attempt than to delineate a conclusion.
The New Soul Food of Paris|Alexander Hurst|December 10, 2020|Eater
Giuliani himself delineated a whole battery of nonsense at last week’s news briefing, claims that were not only presented without evidence but also that depended on purported evidence that the team said it was intentionally withholding.
What line did Sidney Powell cross that Rudy Giuliani didn’t?|Philip Bump|November 23, 2020|Washington Post
Despite the museum’s famously nonlinear storytelling, its exhibit halls — the ones that are open anyway — have clearly delineated pathways through them.
You have until Nov. 22 to visit these six Smithsonian museums. Here’s what to expect.|Kelsey Ables|November 19, 2020|Washington Post
As you may have been able to gather by now, the numbers that delineate coverages will almost always tell you how many DBs are deep.
In effective pass coverage, what you see isn’t always what you get|Richard Johnson|November 11, 2020|Washington Post

If not, it means that the initial study may be wrong—and scientists can then delineate why and move on.
Can We Trust AI Doctors? Google Health and Academics Battle It Out|Shelly Fan|October 20, 2020|Singularity Hub
Austen does no better than the lexicographers at delineating a set that comprises all but only novels.
The Birth of the Novel|Nick Romeo|November 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Miller is at his best delineating the interplay of technology, commerce, and culture.
How the Jazz Age Invented Modern America|Wendy Smith|May 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Language is useful for delineating acceptable discourse, for isolating some and including others.
How To Shrink The Pro-Israel Tent|Brent E. Sasley|April 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Several show the author's subtle skill in dialect-writing, and all reveal the hand of a master in delineating character.
Beyond|Henry Seward Hubbard
The native painter must have executed very much superior work upon the more usual delineating surfaces, such as bark and skins.
The Swastika|Thomas Wilson
With this exception, you will not look for much of Shakspeare's skill in delineating character.
A Letter on Shakspere's Authorship of The Two Noble Kinsmen|William Spalding
Out of Cruikshank's caricature he comes to us with a tail capable of delineating a whole alphabet of humour.
George Cruikshank|W. H. Chesson
In delineating these hags, Shakspeare has practically drawn upon old Germanic sources, perhaps upon current folk-lore of his time.
The Younger Edda|Snorre

British Dictionary definitions for delineate

delineate

/ (dɪˈlɪnɪˌeɪt) /

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 forms of delineate

delineable, 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

delineate

Origin of delineate

OTHER WORDS FROM delineate

Words related to delineate

How to use delineate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for delineate

Derived forms of delineate

Word Origin for delineate