dictionary definition

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dictionary definition

A student looks up a word in a dictionary definition.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A definition that reports the standard uses of a word or phrase or symbol: A 'dictionary definition' is the meaning of a word as it is formally and concisely explained in a dictionary, based on its established and conventional usage in a language.
Usage
  • The term 'dictionary definition' is used to refer to the official, lexical meaning of a word as found in reference works. It contrasts with personal interpretations, extended meanings, or slang usage.
  • It is typically a countable noun (e.g., , ).
Examples
  • Noun:
    • For your essay, please provide the dictionary definition of "justice" before discussing your personal interpretation.
    • The dictionary definition of "run" has over fifty different entries, showing its many uses.
    • He argued that the term's common usage had strayed far from its original dictionary definition.
Advanced Usage

  • "To go by the dictionary definition": To adhere strictly to the formal, lexical meaning.

    • If we go by the dictionary definition, a "berry" includes tomatoes and bananas, which surprises many people.

  • "Beyond the dictionary definition": Referring to connotations, cultural significance, or personal associations that are not captured in the formal definition.

    • The word "home" carries emotional weight far beyond its simple dictionary definition.
Variants and Related Words
  • Defining vocabulary (n): A restricted set of words used to write dictionary definitions, especially in learner's dictionaries, to ensure they are easy to understand.
  • Lexical definition (n): A synonym often used in academic contexts to mean a definition that states the conventional meaning of a term within a language system.
  • Denotation (n): The literal, primary meaning of a word, as opposed to its connotations; closely related to the concept of a dictionary definition.
Synonyms
  • Lexical definition
  • Formal definition
  • Standard definition
Related Phrases
  • Stipulative definition: A definition that assigns a new, specific meaning to a term for a particular purpose, which may differ from its established dictionary definition.
  • Operational definition: A definition that specifies the operations or procedures used to measure or identify something, common in sciences, as opposed to a lexical dictionary definition.
Idioms and Common Expressions
  • "By definition": According to the precise dictionary or formal meaning of a term; inherently.
    • A square is, by definition, a shape with four equal sides and four right angles.(This idiom directly relies on the concept of a fixed, agreed-upon definition akin to a dictionary definition.)
dictionary definition

A student looks up a word in a dictionary definition.

Noun
  1. a definition that reports the standard uses of a word or phrase or symbol