Definition

1. Verb:
   • To state or describe the exact nature, scope, or meaning of something: To explain what a word, concept, or idea means.
   • To determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of something: To establish the precise character or identity of something.
   • To mark the limits or boundaries of something: To show the outline or form of something clearly.
   • To fix or specify definitively: To decide upon or establish something clearly and authoritatively.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • Can you define the term "metaphor"? (Can you explain the exact meaning of the word "metaphor"?)
  • The treaty clearly defines the border between the two nations. (The treaty marks the exact limits of the border.)
  • The architect's sketches define the shape of the new building. (The sketches show the clear outline of the building's form.)
  • We need to define our goals before we start the project. (We need to specify our goals clearly.)

Advanced Usage

• "to define oneself": to establish one's own character, identity, or purpose.
  • She believes that people should not let their jobs define them. (She believes people should not let their jobs determine their essential identity.)
• "to define against": to establish the nature of something by contrasting it with something else.
  • The hero's morality is defined against the villain's cruelty. (The hero's moral character is made clear by its contrast with the villain's actions.)
• "to define the terms of": to set the specific conditions or rules for something.
  • The contract defines the terms of our partnership. (The contract specifies the precise conditions of our working relationship.)

Variants and Related Words

• Definable (adj): Able to be defined, described, or outlined.
  • The concept is complex but still definable.
• Defined (adj): Having a clear definition, outline, or meaning; distinct.
  • She has a well-defined plan for her career.
• Defining (adj): Serving to define or characterize; most typical or important.
  • Winning the championship was the defining moment of his career.
• Definition (n): A statement of the exact meaning of a word or the nature of a concept; the degree of clarity in an image or sound.
  • The dictionary provides a clear definition.
  • The high-definition television has a very sharp picture.

Synonyms

• Specify: To state or describe something precisely and explicitly.
• Delineate: To describe or portray something precisely; to outline.
• Characterize: To describe the distinctive nature or features of something.
• Determine: To settle or decide conclusively.

Related Phrases and Phrasal Verbs

• Define as: To state or recognize something as being a particular thing.
  • The law defines this action as a felony.
• Define by: To characterize or explain something using a specific factor or quality.
  • An era can be defined by its technological advancements.

Related Idioms

• Hard to define: Difficult to describe or explain precisely.
  • The feeling was a hard-to-define mixture of joy and sadness.
• Define the limits: To establish the boundaries of what is acceptable or possible.
  • The experiment helped to define the limits of human endurance.

Verb

1. decide upon or fix definitely
   • fix the variables
   • specify the parameters
2. show the form or outline of
   • The tree was clearly defined by the light
   • The camera could define the smallest object
3. determine the nature of
   • What defines a good wine?
4. give a definition for the meaning of a word
   • Define `sadness'
5. determine the essential quality of