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

'adumbratio' transformed into the French word 'adumbration,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adumbration' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to cast a shadow,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a faint outline or foreshadowing.'