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Adumbrate: meaning, definitions and examples

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adumbrate

 

[ˈæd.ʌm.breɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to outline

To adumbrate means to indicate or outline partially, often in a vague or shadowy manner. It is commonly used in a figurative sense, suggesting that something is hinted at but not fully revealed. The term can also imply a foreshadowing of events or concepts, conveying an impression rather than giving explicit details. The use of adumbrate can often be seen in contexts like literature, art, and discussions where nuances are significant.

Synonyms

foreshadow, hint, outline, shade, sketch.

Examples of usage

  • The author adumbrates the protagonist's struggles early in the novel.
  • In his speech, he adumbrated the potential changes in policy.
  • The artist adumbrated the themes of loss and redemption in the painting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'adumbratus,' which means 'to shade' or 'to represent in outline.'
  • It's related to the word 'dumb,' which originally referred to being unable to speak, influencing the notion of partial or unclear details.
  • The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' or 'toward,' suggesting a leading toward a shadowy representation.

Literature

  • Writers often use this technique to create suspense, leaving readers guessing about character motives.
  • In poetry, it helps convey deeper meanings that resonate beyond the surface, enriching the reader's experience.
  • Classic literature employs this to foreshadow events, subtly guiding readers’ expectations without revealing full outcomes.

Art and Design

  • Artists may employ this concept to create a sense of depth, using shadows to imply forms and create intrigue.
  • Visual artists often adumbrate subjects to force viewers to fill in the blanks themselves, engaging them more deeply.
  • In graphic design, adumbration can highlight essential elements while leaving background details less defined, focusing attention.

Psychology

  • Adumbration relates to cognitive processes, where we may subconsciously form incomplete mental images of ideas.
  • Research shows our brains often interpret vague hints as puzzles, making us crave more information to complete them.
  • This technique is commonly used in therapy through leading questions, prompting clients to explore their thoughts without direct statements.

Film and Media

  • Filmmakers use this to create tension and intrigue, hinting at plot twists without revealing them fully until the climax.
  • In trailers, adumbration keeps audiences hooked by showcasing brief glimpses of key scenes that suggest larger narratives.
  • Documentaries often adumbrate facts, inviting viewers to connect the dots themselves between the information presented.

Translations

Translations of the word "adumbrate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esboçar

🇮🇳 संकेत देना

🇩🇪 umreißen

🇮🇩 menggambarkan

🇺🇦 обрисовувати

🇵🇱 naszkicować

🇯🇵 暗示する

🇫🇷 esquisser

🇪🇸 esbozar

🇹🇷 gölgeleme

🇰🇷 윤곽을 그리다

🇸🇦 يُشير

🇨🇿 naznačit

🇸🇰 naznačiť

🇨🇳 勾勒

🇸🇮 nacrtati

🇮🇸 skissa

🇰🇿 сұлба жасау

🇬🇪 სახელური

🇦🇿 eskiz çəkmək

🇲🇽 esbozar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,631, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.