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

• definably adverb
• definable adjective
• definer noun
• definability noun
• definement 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

Moore chose this moment for a shocking crime in an era nearly defined by them — on Sept. 22, 1975, she tried to assassinate Ford in front of the fashionable St. Francis Hotel.

From Los Angeles Times

"This is what I would define as a hybrid attack," he said, without attributing blame as they have no concrete evidence.

From BBC

But a fresh listen to “Listen Without Prejudice” reveals a deeply personal record that’s interested in defining itself by introspection and progress.

From Salon

The UN report said there were reasonable grounds to conclude that four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law had been carried out since the start of the war in 2023.

From BBC

“It’s important to see queer characters where it’s not the defining aspect,” Martin said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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