delate
Obsolete/Very RareHistorical/Formal/Legal
Definition
Meaning
To accuse, denounce, or inform against someone, formally or officially.
To report, especially of a criminal or wrongful act, to an authority. Historically also used to mean 'to carry down, to relate' (from Latin delatus).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This verb is now largely archaic. Its usage was primarily in Scottish law and older English legal contexts. It carries a formal, accusatory, and serious connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally obsolete in both varieties. It had some historical currency in Scottish law (a UK jurisdiction), but is not part of modern legal terminology in either region.
Connotations
Formal denunciation. No modern regional connotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare and archaic in both British and American English. Found only in historical texts or deliberate archaisms.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] delates [Object] to [Authority][Subject] delates [Person] for [Crime]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None specific to this archaic term)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or philological studies discussing obsolete vocabulary.
Everyday
Not used. Would confuse most listeners.
Technical
Historical legal terminology, especially Scots law.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The citizen felt compelled to delate his neighbour's smuggling activities to the Crown officers.
- In the 17th century, one might delate a heretic to the ecclesiastical courts.
American English
- The historical document showed how settlers could delate others for violating colony charters.
- He was delated for sedition under the archaic statute.
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial form in use.)
American English
- (No adverbial form in use.)
adjective
British English
- (No modern adjectival form. Historical participle 'delated' as in 'the delated man').
American English
- (No modern adjectival form. Historical participle 'delated' as in 'the delated man').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (This word is not suitable for A2 level.)
- (This word is not suitable for B1 level.)
- The archaic term 'delate' means to formally accuse someone.
- In historical novels, a character might delate another for treason.
- The witness chose to delate his former accomplice to the magistrate, seeking clemency.
- Scholars note that 'delate' fell out of common usage by the late 18th century, replaced by 'denounce' or 'inform on'.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DE-nounce' and 're-LATE' a story to the authorities. DELATE combines both ideas: relating an accusation.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMING IS CARRYING (from Latin 'deferre': to carry down/bring news).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'делать' (to do/make).
- Do not confuse with 'delay' (задерживать).
- Closest concept is 'донести (на кого-либо)' or 'обвинить'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern contexts.
- Confusing it with 'delete', 'dilate', or 'relate'.
- Incorrect stress: /ˈdiːleɪt/ (should be /dɪˈleɪt/).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the word 'delate' have been most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic and obsolete. You will only encounter it in historical texts or specialized discussions about language history.
Primarily for reading comprehension of older English texts (e.g., Shakespearean era or Scottish legal history). It is not a word for active use in modern speech or writing.
No. This is a common false friend. 'Delate' is unrelated to 'delete' (to erase) or 'delay' (to make late). Its core meaning is to accuse or inform against.
Yes, the related noun is 'delation' (the act of informing against someone) and 'delator' (the person who informs). These are equally archaic.