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

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

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

From Science Daily

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

From 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.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• define
• depict
• lay out
• limn