English vocabulary · C1
Delineate
/dɪˈlɪniˌeɪt/ · v.
To delineate something is to show its lines and each part. This lets people see where one part ends and another begins.
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Example sentences
- The map delineates each farm with a red line.
- She delineated every task before the team began.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — out (from Latin)
- line — line (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- OUTLINE — draw outer lines (Show The Main Shape)
- DESCRIBE — give clear details (Tell What It Is Like)
- DEFINE — state what something means (Set The Exact Meaning)
Words with the same root
line — line
- line — a long narrow mark
- linear — in a straight line
- align — put in one line
Lesson notes
To delineate something is to show its lines and each part. This lets people see where one part ends and another begins.
Related: outline, describe, define. Use delineate when every line or part must be shown clearly.
The map delineates each farm with a red line. She delineated every task before the team began.
From Latin. De- means out. Line means line. Draw each line out so every part becomes clear. That is delineate.