Delineate: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable when providing detailed borders or boundaries, often in a technical or precise manner.

• The architect will delineate the boundaries of the new park on the map.
• The report delineates the responsibilities of each team member.

Commonly used in everyday language to provide details about something in words, giving a sensory or emotional understanding.

• Can you describe the appearance of the suspect?
• She described her vacation in great detail.

Appropriate for describing something through visual or artistic representation, such as illustrations, paintings, or words.

• The mural depicts scenes from the city's history.
• The novel vividly depicts life in the 18th century.

Good for giving a general summary or overview without going into detailed information.

• The teacher asked the students to outline their essay before writing.
• The CEO outlined the company's new strategy in the meeting.

Used to explain the meaning or nature of something, offering a clear and exact description.

• The dictionary defines the term clearly.
• The contract defines the terms of the agreement.

Use this word when you need to describe or outline something very precisely and in detail, especially in a formal or academic context.

• The report delineates the steps we need to take to improve our security protocols.
• The artist delineated the complex patterns in the sketch.

Use this word when you need to make something clear by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts, suitable for both informal and formal contexts.

• Please explain how this device works.
• He explained the concept to his younger sister.

This word is appropriate for a detailed explanation, often in a formal context, sometimes used to discuss theories or principles in depth.

• The professor expounded on the theory of relativity during the lecture.
• She expounded her views on the importance of education.

Use this word when you need to give more details or expand on a particular point or idea.

• Could you elaborate on your proposal?
• She asked him to elaborate further on the topic during the meeting.

This word is best when you need to make something easier to understand, often by removing confusion or ambiguity.

• Can you clarify the second point in your presentation?
• I asked him to clarify his instructions as they were unclear.