What does "delineator" mean?
One who, or that which, delineates.
Delineator
noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who, or that which, delineates.
- Grammar: delineator is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: caricaturist, drawer.
- Usage evidence: Each bureucratic entity seems to have two faces in its operation: one is that of a delineator of public interests in its jurisdiction, and the other is that of an agent representing the interests of its constituents vis-a-vis the other interests in the bureaucratic coordinating processes: budgetary, administrative, and planning.
How to use "delineator"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "delineator" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "delineator" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "delineator" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "delineator" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "delineator" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "caricaturist" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "delineator", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who, or that which, delineates.
"Each bureucratic entity seems to have two faces in its operation: one is that of a delineator of public interests in its jurisdiction, and the other is that of an agent representing the interests of its constituents vis-a-vis the other interests in the bureaucratic coordinating processes: budgetary, administrative, and planning."
- 2 One who, or that which, delineates.; A road safety marker that indicates where traffic should go.
"In fact, there is practically no change in the detection distances for the three lateral offset distances until the driver comes to within 400 feet of the first flexible post delineator."
- 3 One who, or that which, delineates.; One who makes line drawings.
"Those who have the least idea of painting can easily conceive it was almost impossible for Vande Velde to paint on the open sea during the commotion of such an event; it was therefore necessary he should have recourse to drawing, to obtain the outlines of such objects and positions as he thought proper to delineate. It is from this circumstance that the writer has particularized him as a delineator instead of a painter."
- 4 One who, or that which, delineates.; One who depicts or describes a character.
"As a delineator of character, a diviner of secrets, a searcher into the hearts and imaginations of men, Shakespeare does, and will doubtless continue to stand forth unrivaled among men."
- 5 A device to aid in the delineation of something.
"The delineator consists of an upright frame-work of wood, into which is placed a sheet of transparent glass; upon this a piece of the patentee's prepared material, also transparent, is placed, which serves instead of papter for the draughtsman."
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 A device to aid in the delineation of something.; A perambulator which records distances and delineates a profile, as of a road.
- 7 A device to aid in the delineation of something.; Any of various devices that aid a person in copying the outlines of a drawing or object, including the ability to enlarge or shrink the image.
"Now any one can easily make a delineator, by going to the hardware store and securing a few little screws, as shown in the cut, and then making or securing four little pieces of wood, as shown in the illustration, of about two feet in length."
- 8 Any of various jobs that involve delineation, especially that of technical details.
"The beauty of a wood-cut depends on the skill of both the delineator and the engraver; that is to say, if a drawing is cleanly and sharply executed, and then placed in the hands of a competent engraver, the result will be a type which produces an attractive print."
- 9 Any of various jobs that involve delineation, especially that of technical details.; A technical illustrator.
"The splendid illustrations were prepared under the direct and personal supervision of Dr. Cunningham, and most excellent artists were employed on this part of the work, all of them showing up as high specimens of the delineator's art, and thoroughly elucidate the text."
- 10 Any of various jobs that involve delineation, especially that of technical details.; One who makes architectural drawings.
"The art of the delineator was fully recognized in the early years of the century, and such drawings were often signed, Griffin's by her distinctive monogram."
- 11 Any of various jobs that involve delineation, especially that of technical details.; One who assembles a complete technical description of wetlands.
"The issuance of a certification does not create or grant any property interest or right for the certified wetland delineator, nor does it create any rights for an individual relying upon a wetland delineation made by a certified wetaland delineator, but is intended to facilitate the determination of jurisdiction by the Corps."
- 12 Synonym of delimiter.
"The values listed for fontstyle are combined using the comma as a delineator: BOLD, ULINE."
- 13 A suffix used in some Melanesian languages that acts like a determiner and signals that the noun to which it is attached can be used as an agent.
"Thus certain nouns are inherently potential agents, and any other noun can be turned into one by the suffixation of the delineator."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Each bureucratic entity seems to have two faces in its operation: one is that of a delineator of public interests in its jurisdiction, and the other is that of an agent representing the interests of its constituents vis-a-vis the other interests in the bureaucratic coordinating processes: budgetary, administrative, and planning."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "delineator"?
Common synonyms include: caricaturist, drawer.
How do you use "delineator" in a sentence?
Each bureucratic entity seems to have two faces in its operation: one is that of a delineator of public interests in its jurisdiction, and the other is that of an agent representing the interests of its constituents vis-a-vis the other interests in the bureaucratic coordinating processes: budgetary, administrative, and planning.
Etymology
From delineate + -or.