Delineate
/dɪˈlɪniˌeɪt/
verbC1
Definition
Delineate means to explain or describe something very clearly and carefully, often by showing its exact shape, edges, or limits. People also use it when they draw lines or pictures to show details or borders. It helps others understand exactly what something looks like or how it works.
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See It in Action
To describe something clearly and in detail
- •The teacher delineated the steps needed to solve the math problem.
- •The report delineates the responsibilities of each team member.
- •She delineated her ideas carefully during the presentation.
To draw or show the exact shape or border of something
- •The map delineates the boundaries between the two countries.
- •The architect delineated the design of the new building.
- •On the paper, he delineated the shape of the garden.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "delineate" like "describe" (A1 word), but with more detail and precision—like you draw a clear picture with words or lines
- ✓Picture an artist drawing the outline of a mountain to show its shape exactly
- ✓It's the feeling when you explain something so clearly that others can see it in their mind or on paper
- ✓Sounds like "de-LIN-ee-ate" → imagine drawing many straight LINES to show the edges of a shape
- ✓Imagine a map showing country borders clearly—this is delineating where one place ends and another begins
- ✓NOT like "say" (simple speaking), delineate means to give exact, careful details
- ✓NOT like "sketch" (quick, rough drawing)—delineate is more precise and clear
- ✓NOT like "blur" or "smudge"—delineate means clear and sharp lines or descriptions
Try Other Words
- •Outline: to give the main points or shape (Use when you want a simple, general description)
- •Depict: to show or represent by drawing or words (Use when focusing on visual or artistic representation)
- •Define: to explain the exact meaning or limits (Use when focusing on clear limits or rules)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "de-" (completely) + "line" (a mark or edge) + "-ate" (verb ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "delineare," meaning to draw a line around or sketch
- •Historical development: First used in English in the early 1600s to mean drawing clear lines or borders, later expanded to detailed explanation
- •Modern usage: Used in writing, speech, art, and maps to mean showing or explaining something clearly and precisely
Reflect & Connect
•How can delineating your ideas help others understand you better in conversations or writing?
•When might it be more useful to delineate a problem visually rather than just explaining it with words?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teacher delineate___ the steps clearly so all students could follow the instructions.
2.To avoid confusion, the map must delineate___ the exact borders between countries.
3.When you delineate your plans, you usually include ___ and ___ details.
4.Unlike a simple description, to delineate something means to be very ___ and ___.
5.Architects often delineate___ their designs to show clients exactly what the building will look like.
6.If someone only gives a quick idea without details, they do not ___ the subject well.
7.The lawyer delineated___ the rights of the client to make sure everything was clear.