'delineate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'delineare,' where 'de-' meant 'from' and 'lineare' meant 'to draw lines.'

'delineare' transformed into the French word 'déligner,' and eventually became the modern English word 'delineate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to draw lines,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to describe or portray something precisely.'