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Delineate vs Designate - What's the difference?

delineate | designate |

As verbs the difference between delineate and designate

is that delineate is to sketch out, draw or trace an outline while designate is to mark out and make known; to point out; to name; to indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description; to specify; as, to designate the boundaries of a country; to designate the rioters who are to be arrested.

As an adjective designate is

designated; appointed; chosen.

delineate

English

Verb

(delineat)
  • To sketch out, draw or trace an outline.
  • To depict, represent with pictures.
  • To describe or depict with words or gestures.
  • To outline or mark out.
  • Synonyms

    * (to mark the limits or boundaries) (l), (l), (l)

    Derived terms

    * (l) * (l) * (l)

    designate

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Designated; appointed; chosen.
  • Verb

    (designat)
  • To mark out and make known; to point out; to name; to indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description; to specify; as, to designate the boundaries of a country; to designate the rioters who are to be arrested.
  • To call by a distinctive title; to name.
  • * 1912 , Stratemeyer Syndicate, Baseball Joe on the School Nine Chapter 1
  • "Yes, let 'Sister' Davis have a whack at it too," urged George Bland. Tom Davis, who was Joe Matson's particular chum, was designated "Sister" because, in an incautious moment, when first coming to Excelsior Hall, he had shown a picture of his very pretty sister, Mabel.
  • To indicate or set apart for a purpose or duty; -- with to or for; to designate an officer for or to the command of a post or station.
  • Synonyms

    * name * denominate * style * entitle * characterize * describe * denote

    Derived terms

    * designated driver * designated hitter