Advertisement
Advertisement
define
[ dih-fahyn ]
verb (used with object)
- to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.):
They disagreed on how to define “liberal.”
- to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe:
to define judicial functions.
- to fix or lay down clearly and definitely; specify distinctly:
to define one's responsibilities.
- to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of:
to define property with stakes.
- to make clear the outline or form of:
The roof was boldly defined against the sky.
verb (used without object)
- to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.; construct a definition.
define
/ dɪˈfaɪn /
verb
- to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc)
- to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of
- to determine the boundary or extent of
- often passive to delineate the form or outline of
the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it
- to fix with precision; specify
Derived Forms
- deˈfinably, adverb
- deˈfinable, adjective
- deˈfiner, noun
- deˌfinaˈbility, noun
Other Words From
- de·fina·ble adjective
- de·fina·bili·ty noun
- de·fina·bly adverb
- de·finement noun
- de·finer noun
- misde·fine verb (used with object) misdefined misdefining
- nonde·fina·bili·ty noun
- nonde·fina·ble adjective
- nonde·fina·bly adverb
- nonde·fined adjective
- nonde·finer noun
- prede·fine verb (used with object) predefined predefining
- rede·fine verb (used with object) redefined redefining
- self-de·fined adjective
- semi·de·fined adjective
- unde·fina·ble adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of define1
Example Sentences
It was something ineffable and harder to define: freedom of speech.
This was later repurposed in Europe as an explanation for racial superiority, and the term “Aryan” came to define a white race.
To define this show of support by major corporations for LGBT equality as a seachange would be no overstatement.
And I would like for this generation to define its own movement.
Modern conservatives rightly (as it were) define themselves against the culture at large; hipsters seek to do so as well.
In general, any personal property that may be sold; many of the statutes define it.
The magnitude, and variety, and demands of the objects embraced by it, define the times necessary for engaging in it.
I suppose the more experience a man has had of life the more he hesitates to define what love really is.
Cruelty is another cause, almost as general, though more difficult to define.
The terms of the covenant must, therefore, define the designed extent of the objects of his death.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse