noun

adumbration

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Adumbration (noun) means the condition of being in shade, or, as a countable noun, a shadow itself.

noun

The condition of being in shade, or, as a countable noun, a shadow itself.

A rough drawing or short description that gives only the basic shape of something.

(heraldry) The showing of a design only as an outline, sometimes shaded a darker colour than the background.

A rough or symbolic picture of something, or an early, unclear sign of what is to come.

"The merest adumbration of an apology on Baron Veen's part would clinch the matter with a token of gracious finality." — Vladimir Nabokov (1969)

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

Comes from Latin adumbrātiō (“sketch; outline, silhouette; pretence, semblance”) plus -ion (suffix indicating a condition or state). Adumbrātiō itself derives from adumbrāre (present active infinitive of adumbrō, “to represent an object with light and shade, to shade; to represent in outline, to outline, silhouette, sketch; to cast a shadow on, overshadow, shade; to copy, counterfeit, imitate”) plus -tiō (suffix forming nouns relating to actions or their results). Adumbrō in turn derives from ad- (prefix meaning ‘to, towards’) plus umbrō (“to cast a shadow, to shade; to overshadow”), from umbra (“shade; shadow; ghost”).

Synonyms

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foreshadowing prefiguration

Antonyms

body substance realization fulfillment

Related words

person means body matter heart style message centre

Rhymes for adumbration

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of adumbration?

"adumbration" (noun) means the condition of being in shade, or, as a countable noun, a shadow itself.

What is another word for adumbration?

Other words for "adumbration" include foreshadowing, prefiguration.

What is the opposite of adumbration?

Opposites of "adumbration" include body, substance, realization, fulfillment.

What are the different meanings of adumbration?

"adumbration" has 3 main meanings: 1. The condition of being in shade, or, as a countable noun, a shadow itself; 2. A rough drawing or short description that gives only the basic shape of something; 3. (heraldry) The showing of a design only as an outline, sometimes shaded a darker colour than the background.

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