adumbrate
UK: /ˈæd.ʌm.breɪt/ | US: /əˈdʌm.breɪt/
vt. to outline or give a faint indication of something
vt. to foreshadow or suggest vaguely
vt. to overshadow or obscure partially
adumbrate = ad<to, toward> + umbr<shadow> + ate<verb suffix>
- ad (Latin prefix meaning "to" or "toward")
- umbr (Latin root meaning "shadow," from umbra)
- ate (verb-forming suffix indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin adumbratus (past participle of adumbrare), combining ad- (toward) and umbra (shadow). The word originally described the artistic technique of sketching faint outlines or shading, later evolving metaphorically to mean hinting at something indirectly. The core logic ties "shadow" to partial concealment or suggestion, reflecting how shadows obscure yet reveal shapes.
The speaker adumbrated his plans without revealing details.
Her early works adumbrate the themes she later explored deeply.
The report adumbrates potential risks for investors.
Clouds adumbrated the sun, casting a dim light over the landscape.
His vague remarks adumbrated a major policy shift.