Definition

A faint or unclear representation of something, often showing only the basic outline or shape without much detail.

Example

The artist's adumbration of the landscape captured its essence without detailing every element.

Conversation

Have you seen that new painting at the gallery?

Yeah, I did! It has such an interesting adumbration of the landscape.

I thought so too! It really captures the essence without showing everything.

Exactly, the way it leaves some details to the imagination is really clever.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Adumbration is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "umbra" (meaning shadow). The term refers to the act of giving a faint indication or a shadowy outline of something, thus suggesting or foreshadowing it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'shadow' ('umbra') as a way to remember that 'adumbration' means to give a faint outline or indication of something.

Visually Confused Words