delineation

n.

[L. delineatio: cf. F. délinéation.]

1. The act of representing, portraying, or describing, as by lines, diagrams, sketches, etc.; drawing an outline; as, the delineation of a scene or face; in drawing and engraving, representation by means of lines, as distinguished from representation by means of tints and shades; accurate and minute representation, as distinguished from art that is careless of details, or subordinates them excessively.

2. A delineated picture; representation; sketch; description in words.

Their softest delineations of female beauty.

W. Irving.

Syn. -- Sketch; portrait; outline. See Sketch.

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noun

1. A line marking and shaping the outer form of an object: contour, outline, profile, silhouette. See edge/center, surface/depth.
2. The act or process of describing in lifelike imagery: depiction, description, expression, portrayal, representation. See show/hide.

IN BRIEF: To describe in vivid detail. Also: to indicate by lines or a sketch.

The professor's delineation of the assignment was extremely helpful.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has 3 meanings:

Meaning #1: a graphic or vivid verbal description
  Synonyms: word picture, word-painting, depiction, picture, characterization, characterisation

Meaning #2: a drawing of the outlines of forms or objects
  Synonyms: depiction, limning, line drawing

Meaning #3: representation by drawing or painting etc
  Synonyms: depiction, portrayal

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