Word of the Day: LIMN
Pronunciation: /ˈlim/

Meaning

Limn is a verb that primarily means to draw or paint on a surface, or more broadly, to portray or describe something in words, especially in a vivid or detailed way. It can also refer to outlining or highlighting something in clear, sharp detail, as when something is illuminated.

Origin

The verb limn traces back to Late Middle English verb "lymne(n)" (also spelt "limnen", "liminen", "limpnen", or "luminen"), meaning "to illuminate (a book, manuscript, or rubric)".

This "lymne(n)" was a shortened form of "enluminen," notes Dictionary.com. "Enluminen" came from the Old French "enluminer" (to brighten, light up, or illuminate), which ultimately derived from the Latin "illuminare" (to brighten, light up, adorn, or make conspicuous)

The first known usage of the word in English was around the 15th century.

History 

In illuminated manuscripts (such as religious texts from the Middle Ages), monks and scribes used "limning" to refer to the detailed decorative artwork in margins or around initials.

By the 17th century, limn started appearing in literature with broader meaning, used metaphorically to describe vivid literary portraits or verbal sketches.

Modern usage

Today, limn is used mostly in literary contexts to mean "to describe or portray".

Examples from books and articles

  • But still we could see the city before us, though it was limned only by glances of light through windows, guttering signal fires, and a glimmer of ovens. – The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
  • Now the rising moon had limned them in white and silver – A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

Synonyms

  • Depict
  • Portray
  • Outline
  • Sketch
  • Interpret