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Dictionary Language resources

adumbrate

Pronunciation: /ˈadʌmbreɪt/

Definition of adumbrate

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
adumbrative

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')