Word of the Day for February 15, 2010: adumbrate

Definitions

verb to give a sketchy outline of.

verb, to prefigure indistinctly; foreshadow.

verb, to disclose partially or guardedly.

verb, to overshadow; shadow or obscure.

Notes

Ultimately from the Latin 'umbra,' meaning 'shadow.'

Examples

“It seemed to adumbrate the arrival of a new sort of men, men of saner, sounder, more athletic souls and more robust and cool intelligences.”

“He has gone on to adumbrate his practical remedy -- 'a world league' with 'an amplified Hague Court,' made strong by joint agreement of the powers.”

Pronunciation

by American Heritage Dictionary

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