Definition

In a way that outlines or suggests something without giving full details.

Example

The author adumbratively hinted at the plot twist without revealing too much.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how some movies hint at the plot adumbratively?

Yeah, I think it's a clever way to build suspense without giving everything away.

I agree! It makes you think and engage with the story more.

Exactly, and it keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Adumbratively is formed from "adumbrate" (from Latin "adumbratus", meaning to overshadow or to give a faint outline) and the suffix "-ively" (meaning in a manner). The word describes something that is done in a way that gives a faint or shadowy outline of something, often implying a vague or incomplete representation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'adumbrate' as giving a 'faint outline' of something, and the '-ively' means it's done in that manner. So, adumbratively means doing something in a way that only hints at the full picture.

Visually Confused Words