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.)

Noun

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