What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
demarcate
Example
The fence demarcates the boundary between our property and the neighbor's. [demarcates: verb]
Example
The demarcation line between the two countries was established after the war. [demarcation: noun]
delineate
Example
The report clearly delineates the steps needed to complete the project. [delineates: verb]
Example
The artist carefully delineated the contours of the landscape in her painting. [delineated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Delineate is more commonly used than demarcate in everyday language. Delineate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while demarcate is less common and often used in specific technical or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between demarcate and delineate?
Demarcate is typically associated with a formal tone, while delineate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
