What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
delineate
Example
The report clearly delineates the responsibilities of each team member. [delineates: verb]
Example
The artist carefully delineated the contours of the landscape in her painting. [delineated: past tense]
describe
Example
Can you describe the suspect's appearance to the police? [describe: verb]
Example
She described the scene in vivid detail, making it come alive for the reader. [described: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Describe is more commonly used than delineate in everyday language and is more versatile in terms of its usage and tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between delineate and describe?
Delineate is often associated with a more formal or technical tone, making it more appropriate for use in formal or academic contexts, while describe can be used in a wider range of contexts, from casual to formal.
