Meaning & use
delineated
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“delineated” is a form of “delineate”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitiveformal
Explained or described something in careful detail so that its features are clear.
Grammar: Takes an object: the report delineated the risks.
Patterns
- delineate something
- delineate something for someone
The contract delineated each party's duties.
The speaker delineated the plan step by step.
Her report delineated the causes of the delay.
verbtransitive
Marked or showed the exact edges or boundaries of something.
Grammar: Often used for lines on maps or land: delineated the border.
Patterns
- delineate something from something
A fence delineated the boundary of the property.
Painted lines delineated the parking spaces.
The map delineated the protected forest area.
verbtransitiveold-fashioned
Drew or sketched the outline of something.
Grammar: Used mainly in art and design.
The artist delineated the figure in thin pencil strokes.
He delineated the castle's towers on the page.
The architect delineated the new wing in his plans.
Word forms
| base form | delineate |
|---|---|
| third person singular | delineates |
| past tense | delineated |
| past participle | delineated |
| -ing form | delineating |
Common combinations
- clearly delineated
- The roles were clearly delineated in the handbook.
- delineated the boundaries
- The surveyor delineated the boundaries of the lot.
- sharply delineated
- The shadows were sharply delineated against the wall.
- delineated responsibilities
- The manager delineated responsibilities for each team.
- delineated in detail
- The scheme was delineated in detail in the proposal.
Synonyms and how they differ
- outlined
- Outlined suggests a general sketch, while delineated implies greater precision and detail.
- defined
- Defined means stated what something is exactly, while delineated can also show its edges or extent.
- portrayed
- Portrayed stresses presenting a picture or impression, often artistic.
- demarcated
- Demarcated is narrower and means marking a boundary line.
Opposites
Word family
- delineate verb
- to describe or mark out clearly
- delineation noun
- a detailed description or outline
- line noun
- a mark or boundary
- indelible adjective
- cannot be erased (not related, but often confused)
Commonly confused: delineated or delineation?
delineated vs delineation
Delineation is the noun, naming the act of outlining, while delineated is the verb form.
Practice
The treaty clearly ___ the border between the two countries.
Choose one answer.
Delineated means marked out precisely. Delegated means gave a task to someone, which does not fit.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “delineated”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.