delineation

USAGE SUMMARY

'delineation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word to refer to the act of describing or illustrating something in a precise and accurate manner. For example, "The delineation of the plan was very clear and precise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But in its careful delineation of individual characters, the painting also suggests that every man and woman, of whatever social class, needs work as a kind of soul medicine.

The Guardian - Arts

It's very different from Klimt's wispy, sketchy delineation.

The Guardian - Arts

In this place there was a clear delineation, most attempts to chat to my care-givers were met with an efficient brush-off".

The Guardian

Culture, history and political tradition are all important, but I think the clearest line of delineation separating America from these other countries is the structure of its political institutions.

The Economist

The borders should not be changed by force and the status quo ante should be restored as a pre-condition for a subsequent demarcation and delineation of the border.Ethiopia remains committed to the OAU framework agreement.

The Economist

The twist at the end is typical of men's airport books, hingeing as it does on the delineation of character being so superficial that there is no need even for the most cursory of psychological explanations as to why somebody behaves in a completely unexpected way.Patrick O'Brian is the purveyor of the thinking man's infonovel.

The Economist

Helping themselves The bank that shrank A working model Reprints"There has to be a clear delineation of property rights," says Mr Shan.

The Economist

The main party, the United Malays National Organisation, has been in office since independence in 1957.This backdrop explains why the regular boundary delineation that the election commission embarked upon earlier this year has become so important.

The Economist

The visit to China this week of Atal Behari Vajpayee, the first by an Indian head of government in a decade, suggests a thaw is well under way.No one was expecting Mr Vajpayee's six-day tour, due to end on June 27th, to make any dramatic breakthrough on the main point of contention, namely the delineation of the 2,200 mile (3,500km) common border.

The Economist

Yet there is a continuing dispute over the delineation of national borders within the sea with big implications for its oilfields.

The Economist

First, while it is possible to slice the data as Mr Gordon does such that there is a sharp delineation between the eras of rapid and slow productivity growth in 1972, and a clearly anomalous surge during the "slow" era between 1996-2004 it 1996-2004 itthat that's the onot or even the most obvious story to tell about this data.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delineation", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being outlined or described. Precision in wording enhances the impact of your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "delineation" when a simpler word like "description" or "outline" would suffice. Overusing complex vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The noun "delineation" functions primarily to denote the act of outlining or defining something with precision. This can involve creating a clear boundary, providing a detailed description, or accurately representing something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

28%

News & Media

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delineation" is a grammatically sound noun that signifies the act of outlining or describing something with precision. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's frequently employed in formal contexts such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific literature, emphasizing clarity and accuracy. While versatile, it's best used when a more precise term than "description" or "outline" is needed. Related terms include "precise outlining", "clear depiction", and "detailed portrayal", offering alternative ways to express the concept. The provided writing guidance helps refine its usage, and the FAQs address common questions, ensuring effective and appropriate application of the word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise outlining

Focuses specifically on the act of creating a clear outline.

clear depiction

Highlights the visual or descriptive representation of something.

detailed portrayal

Emphasizes the thoroughness and accuracy of the description.

accurate representation

Stresses the faithfulness and truthfulness of the depiction.

distinct outlining

Emphasizes the clarity and unambiguity of the outline.

sharp definition

Highlights the clarity and precision of the definition.

explicit description

Focuses on the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the description.

precise specification

Emphasizes the detailed and exact nature of the specification.

exact demarcation

Focuses on establishing precise boundaries or limits.

careful depiction

Highlights the attention to detail in the descriptive process.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "delineation" in a sentence?

Use "delineation" to describe a detailed and precise outlining or description of something. For example, "The "delineation of the character" was superb" or "The treaty required a clear "delineation of borders"".

What are some alternatives to the word "delineation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "description", "outline", "portrayal", or "definition".

In what contexts is "delineation" most appropriately used?

"Delineation" is suitable in contexts where precision and detail are important, such as in legal documents, scientific reports, or detailed artistic critiques. It's often used to describe the act of defining boundaries or characteristics.

What is the difference between "delineation" and "description"?

"Delineation" implies a more precise and detailed outlining, often with the aim of setting boundaries or defining characteristics, whereas "description" is a more general term for giving an account of something.