Word of the day: Adumbrate

Adumbrate

[ə-DUM-brayt]

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Latin, mid-16th century

Report or represent in outline.

Foreshadow or symbolize.

Examples of adumbrate in a sentence

"Mark adumbrated his findings in an engaging presentation."

"When reading a mystery, you can usually spot clues that adumbrate the final reveal."

About Adumbrate

Adumbrate developed from the Latin word "adumbrat" ("shaded"), which is composed of the intensifier "ad" and the word "umbrare" ("to cast a shadow").

Did you Know?

Mystery writers know how to adumbrate. Foreshadowing is a storytelling technique in which audiences are provided with clues as to the future of the story. Particularly observant readers or watchers can figure out plot twists from even the smallest hints.