delineate
Definitions
To describe or mark out something precisely; to draw the outline or boundaries of something.
清晰地描述或界定；勾勒……的轮廓或边界。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- (down, along) + line (līnea, line) + -ate (verb) = to draw the lines along/around something. Literally tracing edges with a line, it broadened to mean describing something so sharply that its shape and limits stand out clearly: delineate boundaries, delineate roles.
Root line still carries 17 more wordsWhy It Means This
delineate began as literally drawing the lines around something — de- plus lineare 'to draw a line.' From outlining a physical edge, it shifted to the mental act of making something distinct: to delineate responsibilities is to draw clean lines between them so no one's territory blurs into another's.
Common Collocations
- 1.clearly delineate清晰界定
- 2.delineate boundaries划定边界
- 3.delineate responsibilities厘清职责
- 4.delineate the scope界定范围
Example Sentences
- 1.
The contract clearly delineates the duties of each party.
- 2.
A white fence delineates the edge of the property.
- 3.
The author delineates each character with great care.