Pronunciation: [ˌadəmbɹˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA) 
The word "adumbration" can be quite tricky to spell without some guidance. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /ædʌmˈbreɪʃən/. The "ad" at the beginning is pronounced as /æd/, the "um" is pronounced as /ʌm/, and the "bra" is pronounced as /breɪ/. The final "tion" is pronounced as /ʃən/. With this understanding, one can easily spell "adumbration" correctly without slipping up on the pronunciation.
Adumbration is a noun that refers to the act of partially or vaguely indicating or foreshadowing something. It also pertains to the representation or depiction of something in a vague or shadowy manner. The word originates from the Latin term "adumbrare," meaning to sketch or outline.
In a literal sense, adumbration can refer to the artistic technique of obscurely or faintly drawing or painting an object to give it a partially hidden or ill-defined appearance. This technique is often used to suggest depth, perspective, or the existence of something shadowy or obscure.
Metaphorically, adumbration denotes the act of vaguely hinting towards or suggesting the presence, nature, or outcome of something. It implies a preliminary or incomplete revelation of information, allowing for speculation or interpretation. For example, a dream or vision can be an adumbration of future events, offering a hazy preview or glimpse of what is to come.
In literary analysis, adumbration may refer to a narrative technique where an earlier event, symbol, or character foreshadows or mirrors a later, more significant event. This literary tool helps create suspense, deepen the meaning of the plot, or develop thematic connections within a story.
Overall, adumbration encompasses the ideas of partial representation, foreshadowing, vague suggestion, or obscured depiction, adding depth and ambiguity to various artistic and conceptual contexts.
The act of making a shadow or faint resemblance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "adumbration" is derived from the Latin word "adumbratio", which is a combination of the prefix "ad-" meaning "to" or "towards", and the noun "umbra" meaning "shadow". "Umbra" traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₂egʷʰ-", meaning "to shine" or "to be bright". Thus, "adumbration" can be understood as the figurative casting of a shadow over something or a partial representation or foreshadowing of something.
