delineate

/dɪˈlɪnieɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈlɪnieɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈli-nē-ˌāt dē-/ (ame, mw)

delineate — verb

  • delineatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • delineateshe / she / it
  • delineatedpast simple
  • delineating-ing form

1. to make the outer shape of something clear by drawing a line around it or markin

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make the outer shape of something clear by drawing a line around it or marking its edge

例句

Daichi used a red pencil to delineate the island on the map.

delineate + object on a map

The architect delineated each window frame before adding colour to the sketch.

delineate a feature before shading a drawing

同義詞
  • outline

    often suggests a rough shape rather than a carefully marked edge

  • trace

    suggests following an existing line or edge closely

  • mark off

    focuses on separating an area, not drawing its form in detail

反義詞
  • erase

    removes the boundary instead of making it visible

文法句型

delineate + object

用法筆記

Often used for maps, sketches, borders, and other visible shapes. The object is usually something whose outer edge can be shown clearly.

2. to explain the main parts, limits, or stages of something clearly and in an orde

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to explain the main parts, limits, or stages of something clearly and in an ordered way

例句

In her opening slide, Saira delineated the steps for moving the team online.

delineate the steps for + -ing form

The judge asked both lawyers to delineate the limits of the agreement.

delineate the limits of something

同義詞
  • outline

    usually gives the broad points more briefly

  • define

    focuses on exact meaning or limits rather than the full structure

  • explain

    is the wider everyday verb and sounds less formal

反義詞
  • obscure

    means make the subject harder to understand

文法句型

delineate + object

delineate how-clause

用法筆記

Common with plans, roles, rules, and differences. It is more formal than explain and often stresses making limits or structure precise.

常見錯誤

❌The manager delineated about the budget changes.
✅The manager delineated the budget changes clearly.
💡delineate normally takes a direct object rather than about.