define

[dih-fahyn]

verb (used with object)

defined, defining 

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)

defined, defining 

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

Other Word Forms

• definable adjective
• definability noun
• definably adverb
• definement noun
• definer noun
• misdefine verb (used with object)
• nondefinability noun
• nondefinable adjective
• nondefinably adverb
• nondefined adjective
• nondefiner noun
• predefine verb (used with object)
• redefine verb (used with object)
• self-defined adjective
• semidefined adjective
• undefinable 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

"This is how I define success – hearing from real people."

From BBC

He isn't misunderstood because he behaves badly; he's misunderstood because his existence unsettles old certainties about who gets to define respect.

From BBC

Big signings in MLS can often become the defining aspect of the franchise they join as everything becomes all about one player, but this has not been the case in LA.

From BBC

He has defined it as the return of the hostages, the destruction of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza.

From BBC

Different parts of the astronomical community chose to define supermoons in slightly varying ways.

From BBC

Related Words

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