Delineate

To describe or portray something precisely, often focusing on its boundaries, distinguishing features, or defining characteristics. It involves clarifying, specifying, and giving a detailed account of a subject or concept to make its form, nature, or significance clear and understandable. Delineating aims to provide a clear and distinct representation, separating it from other things. This can apply to physical objects, abstract ideas, or processes. A successful delineation provides enough detail for someone to comprehend the essential elements and boundaries.

Delineate meaning with examples

• The architect meticulously delineated the proposed building's dimensions and features in the blueprints, ensuring the contractors understood the exact specifications. The detailed renderings of the facade and floor plans helped visualize the project before construction began, providing clarity.
• In her essay, the historian expertly delineated the major social and economic factors that contributed to the French Revolution, painting a comprehensive picture. The essay analyzed how poor governance led to widespread discontent and eventual rebellion, making the complex history accessible.
• The project manager delineated the scope of the project and tasks for his team, listing deadlines, budget, and each member's responsibilities. It helped keep all parties aligned throughout the duration of the job, which was vital to completing the job.
• The scientific report carefully delineated the methodology used in the research, including the sampling techniques, measurements, and statistical analyses. This enabled other scientists to assess the validity of the findings and potentially replicate the experiment.
• The artist chose to delineate the human form, focusing on details and the expressive features of her models. The artist meticulously sketched the anatomy and subtle nuances, illustrating emotion using lines and shading to create a clear portrait.