adumbrate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈadʌmbreɪt/

verb

[with object] formal
  • 1represent in outline: Hobhouse had already adumbrated the idea of a welfare state
  • indicate faintly: the walls were only adumbrated by the meagre light
  • 2foreshadow (a future event): tenors solemnly adumbrate the fate of the convicted sinner
  • 3overshadow: her happy reminiscences were adumbrated by consciousness of something else

Derivatives

adumbration

Pronunciation: /-ˈbreɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

adumbrative

Pronunciation: /əˈdʌmbrətɪv/
adjective

Origin:

late 16th century: from Latin adumbrat- 'shaded', from the verb adumbrare, from ad- 'to' (as an intensifier) + umbrare 'cast a shadow' (from umbra 'shade')