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

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

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

Perhaps it’s because there hasn’t been such a brazenly political superhero film since “The Dark Knight” brilliantly delineated and predicted how our anxieties about international terror were dividing the country faster than we could imagine.

From Salon

In a lengthy preamble, the order delineated that early history through the shuttering of veterans’ housing in the 1970s to improper leases of veterans’ land that led to the two lawsuits.

From Los Angeles Times

Lisicky, noted for his prose in both novels and memoirs, beautifully delineates how artists of different kinds influence each other by tracing his discovery of and passion for singer-songwriter Mitchell’s work.

From Los Angeles Times

Anyone that investigates this will find that the risks and benefits are already delineated.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s telling that he conceived of his scenes in clearly delineated horizontal bars that give sky, earth and the Danube River an unshakable, marble-like solidity.

From New York Times

Related Words

• define 
• depict 
• lay out 
• limn