demarcate

USAGE SUMMARY

'demarcate' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb which means to clearly delineate or separate something. For example, "The old fence was used to demarcate the property line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He accuses politicians and local administrators of "regularising environmental violations by builders", and of stalling the release of a contour map that would demarcate high-tide zones where construction would be hazardous.

The Guardian

He adds that Portugal cannot afford to miss this opportunity.Mr Passos Coelho's bold ambitions to go further are partly intended to demarcate Portugal from Greece, where a failure to hit fiscal targets has led Athens to seek a second bail-out.

The Economist

Mr Yanukovich has been equally keen to demarcate the boundaries of Ukraine's business interests.

The Economist

The government wants the power to demarcate territories to remain with the justice minister and the presidency.

The Economist

The commission is supposed to demarcate the border based on the historical record.

The Economist

Now the government is to demarcate assembly points where the AUC's fighters will live pending their demobilisation.

The Economist

In fact the 1992 decision fixed the maritime boundaries between Canada and the islands, and did not demarcate the continental shelf.In this section The cracks opened up by the flu Squaring off for a seabed scrap Socialism v labour Super 09 Printing money ReprintsThis tussle echoes the conflicting claims filed by Britain and Argentina to the seabed surrounding the Falkland Islands.

The Economist

(The two countries also share interests in aircraft construction and nuclear energy).In April, almost 20 years after the Soviet Union disintegrated, Russia agreed to demarcate its land (though not its sea) border with Ukraine.

The Economist

Using the tide of bank deregulation to demarcate periods of higher and lower competition, the researchers were able to identify whether this made a difference to the racial wage gap.

The Economist

During a meeting in November in Singapore, China's prime minister, Wen Jiabao, told his Vietnamese counterpart that efforts to demarcate their land border should be speeded up.

The Economist

Does it really matter whether rowdy crowds of Mr Bossi's disciples make a spectacle of themselves, proclaiming yet again mock independence for an area whose borders even they have yet to demarcate?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demarcate" when you need a formal term for setting boundaries or distinguishing between concepts, territories, or responsibilities. It's particularly effective in academic writing, legal documents, and technical reports.

Common error

Avoid using "demarcate" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler words like "separate", "distinguish", or "define" would be more appropriate. The formality of "demarcate" can sound pretentious if misused.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "demarcate" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being bounded or distinguished. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demarcate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used transitive verb that serves to clearly define and establish boundaries, both physically and conceptually. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its formal tone makes it well-suited for academic writing, legal documents, and technical reports, as evidenced by its prevalence in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While effective in formal contexts, simpler synonyms like "separate" or "distinguish" may be more appropriate for casual use. Alternatives such as "delimit", "delineate", and "define boundaries" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. To avoid stylistic errors, reserve "demarcate" for situations requiring a high degree of precision and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delimit

A formal synonym emphasizing the precise determination of limits.

define boundaries

Focuses on the act of specifying the limits or borders of something.

distinguish between

Highlights the act of recognizing and emphasizing differences between things.

establish limits

Highlights the creation and enforcement of boundaries or restrictions.

mark off

Suggests a physical marking or indication of a boundary.

differentiate

Focuses on identifying the unique aspects of something to set it apart.

set apart

Emphasizes separation or distinction, often used for qualities or characteristics.

separate out

Emphasizes the act of removing or isolating something from a group.

draw a line

Implies creating a clear and often metaphorical distinction.

outline

Implies providing a clear summary or definition of something.

FAQs

How can I use "demarcate" in a sentence?

Use "demarcate" when you want to indicate a clear distinction or boundary. For example, "The treaty aimed to demarcate the border between the two countries" or "The study helps to demarcate the different types of learning styles".

What are some synonyms for "demarcate"?

Alternatives to "demarcate" include "delimit", "delineate", "distinguish", and "separate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "demarcate" a formal word?

Yes, "demarcate" is considered a formal word. It's suitable for academic, professional, and technical writing, but might sound out of place in casual conversation. Using "define boundaries" might be more appropriate in an informal setting.

What's the difference between "demarcate" and "differentiate"?

"Demarcate" implies setting a boundary or limit, while "differentiate" means identifying the differences between things. You demarcate a territory, but you differentiate between various shades of color.