'adumbrate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'adumbratus,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'umbra' meant 'shadow.'

'adumbratus' transformed into the French word 'adumbrer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adumbrate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to cast a shadow,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'foreshadow' and 'obscure.'