define

/di'fain/
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define

The teacher asks the class to define the word "courage."

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.
define

The teacher asks the class to define the word "courage."

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

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