Meaning & use
delineates
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“delineates” is a form of “delineate”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitiveformal
Describes something in careful detail so that its limits, parts or features are clear.
Grammar: Takes an object: the policy delineates each step.
Patterns
- something delineates something
The contract delineates each party's duties.
This chapter delineates the causes of the war.
The manual delineates the safety rules for visitors.
verbtransitiveformal
Marks or shows the outline or boundary of something.
Grammar: Takes an object: a fence delineates the property.
Patterns
- something delineates something
A line of trees delineates the edge of the farm.
The river delineates the border between the two counties.
Bright paint delineates the walking path from the road.
Word forms
| third person singular | delineates |
|---|---|
| past tense | delineated |
| past participle | delineated |
| -ing form | delineating |
Common combinations
- clearly delineates
- The map clearly delineates the park boundaries.
- delineates a boundary
- The wall delineates a boundary between the yards.
- delineates responsibilities
- The handbook delineates responsibilities for each role.
- delineates the difference
- The article delineates the difference between the two theories.
- sharply delineates
- The law sharply delineates what is allowed.
Synonyms and how they differ
- outline
- Outline is plainer and often means a brief summary, while delineates implies more careful detail.
- define
- Define fixes the exact meaning or limits of something, while delineates also lays out its parts.
- describe
- Describe is the everyday word with no sense of marking limits, while delineates is formal and precise.
- demarcate
- Demarcate focuses on marking a boundary line only, whereas delineates can also mean describing in detail.
Opposites
Word family
- delineate verb
- the base form
- delineation noun
- a detailed description or outline
- delineated adjective
- clearly marked or described
- delineator noun
- a person or thing that outlines
Commonly confused: delineates or deliniates?
delineates vs deliniates
This is a common misspelling; the correct spelling is delineates, with e after the l.
Practice
The treaty clearly ____ the border between the two nations.
Choose one answer.
Delineates means marks or sets out limits. The other verbs look similar but do not make sense about a border.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “delineates”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.