Define vs. Delineate — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Define and Delineate
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Definitions
Define
State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of
The contract will seek to define the client's obligations
Delineate
To draw or depict
"In black and white wash, he delineated the gnarled roots of a tree" (Sally Holmes Holtze).
Define
Mark out the boundary or limits of
The river defines the park's boundary
Delineate
To describe or characterize in words
"the specter of the bored and isolated housewife, which Friedan delineated so brilliantly" (Mary V. Dearborn).
Define
To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
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Delineate
To mark, form, or show the outline or border of
The police delineated the crime scene with yellow tape. A hedge delineates one plot of land from the other.
Define
To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain
Define the properties of a new drug.
A study that defines people according to their median incomes.
Delineate
To establish the position of (a border)
The treaty delineates the border between Spanish and American territory.
Define
To make clear the outline or form of; delineate
Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
Delineate
To show or contain a distinguishing characteristic of; distinguish
"The first game ... delineated the differences between the two teams" (Stuart Miller).
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Define
To specify distinctly
Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
Delineate
To sketch out, draw or trace an outline.
Define
To give form or meaning to
"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
Delineate
To depict, represent with pictures.
Define
To make or write a definition.
Delineate
To describe or depict with words or gestures.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
The defining power of an optical instrument
Delineate
To outline or mark out.
Define
(obsolete) To settle, decide an argument etc.
Delineate
Delineated; portrayed.
Define
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
Delineate
To indicate by lines drawn in the form or figure of; to represent by sketch, design, or diagram; to sketch out; to portray; to picture; in drawing and engraving, to represent in lines, as with the pen, pencil, or graver; hence, to represent with accuracy and minuteness. See Delineation.
Adventurous to delineate nature's form.
Define
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
Delineate
To portray to the mind or understanding by words; to set forth; to describe.
Customs or habits delineated with great accuracy.
Define
To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.
Person 1: Is she good at math?
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Delineate
Delineate the form or outline of;
The tree was clearly defined by the light
The camera could define the smallest object
Define
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
To define the legal boundaries of a property
Delineate
Determine the essential quality of
Define
(mathematics) To establish the referent of a term or notation.
Delineate
Trace the shape of
Define
(programming) A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.
Delineate
Make a mark or lines on a surface;
Draw a line
Trace the outline of a figure in the sand
Define
To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
Delineate
Describe in vivid detail
Define
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
Delineate
Represented accurately or precisely
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined.
Define
To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature.
Define
To determine; to decide.
Define
Give a definition for the meaning of a word;
Define `sadness'
Define
Determine the essential quality of
Define
Determine the nature of;
What defines a good wine?
Define
Delineate the form or outline of;
The tree was clearly defined by the light
The camera could define the smallest object
