define

[ dih-fahyn ]

verb (used with object)

, de·fined, de·fin·ing.

1. to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.):

   They disagreed on how to define “liberal.”

2. to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe:

   to define judicial functions.

3. to fix or lay down clearly and definitely; specify distinctly:

   to define one's responsibilities.

   Synonyms: enumerate, detail, describe, name, state

4. to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of:

   to define property with stakes.

5. to make clear the outline or form of:

   The roof was boldly defined against the sky.

verb (used without object)

, de·fined, de·fin·ing.

1. to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.; construct a definition.

define

/ dɪˈfaɪn /

verb

1. to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc)
2. to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of
3. to determine the boundary or extent of
4. often passive to delineate the form or outline of

   the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it

5. to fix with precision; specify

Derived Forms

• deˈfinably, adverb
• deˈfinable, adjective
• deˈfiner, noun
• deˌfinaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• de·fina·ble adjective
• de·fina·bili·ty noun
• de·fina·bly adverb
• de·finement noun
• de·finer noun
• misde·fine verb (used with object) misdefined misdefining
• nonde·fina·bili·ty noun
• nonde·fina·ble adjective
• nonde·fina·bly adverb
• nonde·fined adjective
• nonde·finer noun
• prede·fine verb (used with object) predefined predefining
• rede·fine verb (used with object) redefined redefining
• self-de·fined adjective
• semi·de·fined adjective
• unde·fina·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of define¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English def(f)inen, from Anglo-French, Old French definer “to put an end to,” from Latin dēfīnīre ”to limit, define,“ equivalent to dē- “from, away from, out of” + fīnīre “to end”; de-, finish

Word History and Origins

Origin of define¹

C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin dēfīnīre to set bounds to, from fīnīre to finish

Example Sentences

The bill that has been introduced by the Act political party argues that New Zealand should legally define the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

From BBC

They became classrooms for high achievers rather than for students properly defined as gifted.

From Los Angeles Times

Sinfield was part of the first line-up of King Crimson, whose 1969 debut In The Court Of The Crimson King is widely regarded as one of the defining progressive rock albums.

From BBC

“We don’t see the process of our clothes being made, so a lot of people don’t realize that the design choices completely define the sustainability credentials of our clothes,” Robinson tells me.

From Los Angeles Times

The enemy, however defined, is to be marginalized and oppressed as the Other.

From Salon

Related Words

• characterize
• construe
• decide
• delineate
• describe
• designate
• detail
• determine
• exemplify
• explain
• illustrate
• interpret
• prescribe
• represent
• specify
• spell out