delineate

[ dih-lin-ee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, de·lin·e·at·ed, de·lin·e·at·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• deˈlineative, adjective
• deˈlineable, adjective
• deˌlineˈation, noun

Other Words From

• de·lin·e·a·ble [dih-, lin, -ee-, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• pre·de·lin·e·ate verb (used with object) predelineated predelineating
• un·de·lin·e·a·ble 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

Most of the characters here are criminals, ranging from the semicomical, relatively harmless Williams to the deceptively urbane Moten to the merely thuggish — though there is some attempt to delineate the worse and less worse among the robbers, and in some cases even engage one’s sympathy.

From Los Angeles Times

With the ability to accurately identify 3D genome subcompartments, scGHOST adds to the growing array of single-cell analysis tools scientists use to delineate the intricate molecular landscape of complex tissues, such as those in the brain.

From Science Daily

The second asks the parties to write jury instructions based on the notion that jurists would be able to delineate which of the documents Trump is accused of illegally keeping as personal or presidential.

From Salon

But much of the border, especially in northeastern New York, is flat and barren, dotted with just woods or open fields where simple stone markers delineate the boundary.

From Seattle Times

"Culturally and socially they are completely intertwined. It would be impossible to delineate where one kinship network begins and ends," Lowy Institute Pacific Islands project director Mihai Sora told the BBC.

From BBC

Related Words

• define
• depict
• lay out
• limn