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

Under the proposed legislation, the treaty principles that would be defined in law are:

From BBC

The result was President Barack Obama, whose politics went onto define the Democratic Party for years to come.

From Salon

After a sometimes chaotic start to his first term, Trump is laying the groundwork for his next administration with a more clearly defined plan - and personnel ready to enact it.

From BBC

“Democrats were mostly running against an identity that was defined for them based on a couple of months of post-George Floyd Defund the Police #MeToo Instagram posts from four years ago,” Stewart emphasized.

From Salon

The answer is: it depends on how you define it.

From BBC

Related Words

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