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Glite Dictionary
to mark out

to mark out

4 4.0
Show the edges of an area, for example with string or chalk
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : marcar
  • The workers need to mark out the area for the new playground using bright spray paint.
  • marks out a boundary
  • mark out a place

And I like to just say mark out that spot.

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Examples

  • OK, so we marked out our entire grid in pencil.

  • So an oncologist will look at each slice in the CT scan and mark out by hand where the tumor is.

    The Royal Institution

  • "We need to know what the scale is, and no one will mark out the field."

    Blog text (26)

  • Now what I want to do is mark out these holes.

  • Now, the next step after you got here is to mark out where you want to drill.

  • I'm going to mark out some handle positions.

  • The dance ground had been cleared, and a circle had been marked out.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Here's Benjamin helping to mark out the pathway and stop right there.

  • The racetrack oval was still marked out in the grass.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • First, we'll mark out a wide perimeter, then we'll start combing the outlying streets.

    The Night of the Generals (1967)

Synonyms

to define
vsto mark out
252 1.0

To make the shape or edges of something clear

is about establishing limits rather than only clarifying their form
to outline
vsto mark out
65 3.2

To draw the outer edge of something

is about setting a clear boundary around an area rather than just tracing edges
to demarcate
vsto mark out
4 7.9

To mark the border between two areas with a line or fence

is about establishing limits broadly rather than only showing separation
to delineate
vsto mark out
  • Formal
2 7.0

To draw the shape or edge of something clearly

is about setting precise limits rather than only drawing the shape
to mark the boundary
vsto mark out
1 3.9

To show the line that separates two places

focuses on creating or setting limits rather than merely pointing them out
to delimit
vsto mark out
  • Formal
1 7.0

To mark the edges of an area or idea

focuses on setting limits for an area, object, or scope generally
to mark off
vsto mark out
1 3.4

To draw lines or put tape to show the edge of an area

is about establishing limits overall rather than primarily drawing lines
to demark
vsto mark out
8.0

To show the limits of something, for example an area or duties

focuses on establishing boundaries in general rather than only indicating lines
to delimitate
vsto mark out
  • Formal
8.7

Set or mark the limits of an area like a project

is the ordinary action of placing limits on an area or scope
to set a clear boundary
vsto mark out
4.1

To make a clear line between two areas or kinds of activity

is used for marking limits of an area, object, or scope more generally

Antonyms

to erase
144 1.6

Remove marks, writing, or digital files so they are no longer visible

How Defined

to cordon off
20 6.3
to isolate
256 4.2
to mark out
4 4.0
to demarcate
4 7.9
outline
65 2.7

Surface Forms

mark out infinitive
marked out past
marked out past participle
marking out present participle
marks out third person singular

Morphology

mark + out

The meaning 'to set boundaries or clearly delimit' is clearly related to 'mark' (to label or indicate) combined with the particle 'out' suggesting an outward/outline function, so a learner who knows both words can often infer the general sense. However, the specific delimiting nuance depends on knowledge of the phrasal-verb particle use rather than straightforward compositional semantics, so it is not fully transparent.

Etymology

Mark out comes from the simple act of putting visible marks to show the edges of a space. Imagine drawing lines or placing stakes to show the outside edge: you are making a mark to show what is out, so the area is clear, and that is why it means 'to set boundaries for'.