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Adumbrate: meaning, definitions and examples

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adumbrate

 

[ ˈæd.ʌm.breɪt ]

Verb
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'adumbrate' comes from the Latin 'adumbratus', which is the past participle of 'adumbrari', meaning 'to shade or to overshadow'. The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' or 'toward', and 'umbra' means 'shadow'. This Latin root reflects the concept of casting a shadow or making something less distinct or clear. As the term evolved into English during the 16th century, it maintained these connotations of partial representation or indication. Over time, 'adumbrate' has found application beyond its original context, extending into philosophical and literary discussions as a way to describe ideas and themes that are suggested rather than explicitly stated. Today, it is primarily used in academic and literary contexts, often suggesting a nuanced or indirect approach to conveying meaning.

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.