DELINEATE, v.t. [L. A line.] 1. To draw the lines which exhibit the form of a thing; to mark out with lines; to make a draught; to sketch or design; as, to delineate the form of the earth, or a diagram. 2. To paint; to represent in picture; to draw a likeness of; as, to delineate Nestor like Adonis, or time with Absaloms head. 3. Figuratively, to describe; to represent to the mind or understanding; to exhibit a likeness in words;as, to delineate the character of Newton, or the virtue of Aristides.
transitive verb (-eated; -eating) Etymology: Latin delineatus, past participle of delineare, from de- + linea line Date: 1559 1.a. to indicate or represent by drawn or painted lines b. to mark the outline of <lights delineating the narrow streets> 2. to describe, portray, or set forth with accuracy or in detail <delineate a character in the story> <delineate the steps to be taken by the government> • delineatornoun
Delineate De*lin"e*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Delineated; p. pr. & vb. n. Delineating.] 1. To indicate by lines drawn in the form or figure of; to represent by sketch, design, or diagram; to sketch out; to portray; to picture; in drawing and engraving, to represent in lines, as with the pen, pencil, or graver; hence, to represent with accuracy and minuteness. See Delineation. Adventurous to delineate nature's form. --Akenside. 2. To portray to the mind or understanding by words; to set forth; to describe. Customs or habits delineated with great accuracy. --Walpole.
(delineates, delineating, delineated) 1. If you delineate something such as an idea or situation, you describe it or define it, often in a lot of detail. (FORMAL) Biography must to some extent delineate characters...VERB: V n 2. If you delineate a border, you say exactly where it is going to be. (FORMAL) ...an agreement to delineate the border.VERB: V n