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

One dives deep into the strained but anatomically accurate neck muscles and sharply delineated collar bones of St. Jerome, shown praying in the bleak wilderness.

From Los Angeles Times

The role anchors a show that is more a collection of scenarios than a clearly delineated story.

From Los Angeles Times

The person the voters decide to hire will have only one real mandate: to do the job delineated by the Constitution.

From Los Angeles Times

It delineates funding from the city, county, state and federal governments, projects the new homes that would be created and estimates what the sheltered and unsheltered homeless population would be, all on an annual basis.

From Los Angeles Times

Classifications are delineated with a letter, typically the first letter of a specific sport, followed by a number which typically corresponds to the severity of an athlete’s impairment.

From Salon

Related Words

• define
• depict
• lay out
• limn