demarcate — to establish the boundaries or limits of an area, subject, or issue clearly
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to establish the boundaries or limits of an area, subject, or issue clearly
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈmɑːrkeɪt/
Example Sentences
- The two neighbors argued for years over how to demarcate their property line, until a surveyor finally settled it with a single stake.
- In the civil service exam, understanding how administrative districts are demarcated is essential.
- My cat has clearly demarcated her territory in our apartment—the couch is hers, and my side of the bed is now also hers.
demarcate
VERB[/dɪˈmɑːrkeɪt/]
to establish the boundaries or limits of an area, subject, or issue clearly
Surveyors demarcate the boundary between two farms with wooden stakes and rope.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Spanish 'demarcar', which originally referred to the act of marking territorial boundaries. This Spanish verb combines the prefix 'de-' (completely, separately) with 'marcar' (to mark, from Latin 'marca' meaning boundary or border), ultimately tracing back to Latin roots used in administrative and colonial contexts for establishing territorial demarcation.
Breakdown
de- (completely, separately) + marcar (to mark, from Latin marca meaning boundary or border). The suffix -ate in English converts the Spanish verb into English standard form.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The two neighbors argued for years over how to demarcate their property line, until a surveyor finally settled it with a single stake.”
“In the civil service exam, understanding how administrative districts are demarcated is essential.”
“My cat has clearly demarcated her territory in our apartment—the couch is hers, and my side of the bed is now also hers.”
“The treaty demarcated the border between the two countries, ending decades of dispute.”
📚Related Words
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