delineate meaning

'delineate' means to describe or show something clearly and in detail.

delineate :

to describe clearly, to outline

Verb

▪ The map delineates the city boundaries.

▪ The map outlines the city boundaries.

▪ The report delineates the company's plans.

▪ The report outlines the company's plans.

paraphrasing

▪ describe – to show clearly

▪ outline – to give a general description

▪ depict – to represent visually

▪ explain – to make clear

delineate

Pronunciation

delineate [dɪˈlɪn.i.eɪt]

The stress is on the second syllable 'lin' and sounds like 'di-LIN-ee-ate'.

Common phrases and grammar about delineate

delineate - Common meaning

Verb
to describe clearly, to outline

Part of Speech Changes for "delineate"

▪ delineation (noun) – a detailed description or outline of something

▪ delineating (adjective) – describing something clearly and in detail

Common Expressions with "delineate"

▪ delineate a plan – describe a plan clearly

▪ delineate the area – outline the area

▪ delineate the roles – describe the roles clearly

▪ delineate the process – outline the process

Important examples of delineate in TOEIC

Vocabulary examples from the TOEIC test

In TOEIC word questions, 'delineate' is used to describe or outline plans, reports, or details clearly.

▪The manager delineated the new project objectives.
▪The manager outlined the new project objectives.

Example of a confusing word: delegate (to assign tasks)

▪The manager delegated the new project objectives.
▪The manager assigned tasks related to the new project objectives.
"Delineate" means "to describe or outline something precisely," often used in contexts where clear explanation or detailing is required. In the sentence "The manager delineated the new project objectives," it is used correctly to imply that the manager provided a detailed outline. "Delegate," however, means "to assign tasks or responsibilities to others" and does not fit the context of outlining objectives. The sentence "The manager delegated the new project objectives" is grammatically incorrect because objectives are not tasks that can be assigned. Therefore, "delineate" is the correct choice.

Grammar examples from the TOEIC test

In TOEIC grammar questions, 'delineate' is used as a transitive verb, requiring an object.

▪She delineates her ideas in the presentation.
▪She describes her ideas in the presentation.

delineate

Idioms and fixed expressions in TOEIC

outline the details

'describe the details', used when explaining information in business reports.

▪Please delineate the project details in your report.
▪Please describe the project details in your report.

sketch out a plan

means 'outline a plan', used when creating initial business strategies.

▪We need to sketch out the marketing plan.
▪We need to outline the marketing plan.

Differences between similar words and delineate

delineate

,

describe

differences

'Delineate' is used to describe clearly and in detail, while 'describe' can be more general.

delineate
▪She delineated the process step by step.
▪She described the process step by step.
describe
▪She described the process in general terms.
▪She gave a general description of the process.

delineate

,

outline

differences

'Delineate' means to describe in detail, while 'outline' means to give a general description.

delineate
▪The manager delineated the project schedule.
▪The manager gave a general description of the project schedule.
outline
▪The manager outlined the project schedule.
▪The manager gave a general description of the project schedule.

Words with the same origin as delineate

The origin of delineate

'Delineate' comes from the Latin 'delineare', meaning 'to sketch out' or 'to describe the lines of'.

Word structure

The word has the prefix 'de' (completely), root 'line' (line), and suffix 'ate' (verb), so 'delineate' means 'to mark the lines'.

Words with the same origin

The root of 'delineate' is 'line'. Words with the same root include 'linear', 'align', 'outline', 'inline'.

Please select an image in the quiz

Quiz

question

Your score is

Previous post and next post

curfew

curfew

1007
▪impose a curfew
▪break a curfew
noun ┃
verb ┃
Views 11
curfew

curfew

1007
time limit, restriction
▪impose a curfew – set a time limit
▪break a curfew – not follow the time limit
noun ┃
verb ┃
Views 11
delineate

delineate

1008
▪delineate a plan
▪delineate the area
current
post
Verb ┃
Views 13
delineate

delineate

1008
to describe clearly, to outline
▪delineate a plan – describe a plan clearly
▪delineate the area – outline the area
Verb ┃
Views 13
dire

dire

1009
▪dire consequences
▪dire warning
adjective ┃
Views 2
dire

dire

1009
very serious, urgent
▪dire consequences – very serious results
▪dire warning – urgent caution
adjective ┃
Views 2
eloquent

eloquent

1010
▪eloquent speech
▪eloquent writer
adjective ┃
Views 6
eloquent

eloquent

1010
expressive, persuasive
▪eloquent speech – clear and effective talk
▪eloquent writer – a writer who expresses ideas well
adjective ┃
Views 6
erode

erode

1011
▪erode trust
▪erode support
Verb ┃
Views 7
erode

erode

1011
to wear away, to weaken gradually
▪erode trust – to weaken trust
▪erode support – to reduce support
Verb ┃
Views 7
Same category words
education, training

delineate

to describe clearly, to outline
current post
1008

memorize

1579

familiar

740

emphasis

352

practice

766
TOEIC_Vocabulary_List_PDF_PC
TOEIC_Vocabulary_List_PDF_Mobile

View All TOEIC PDFs

Visitors & Members
13+
VocaZip