defining

[ dih-fahy-ning ]

/ dɪˈfaɪ nɪŋ /

Save This Word!

adjective

decisive; critically important: Taking a course in architecture was a defining turn in her life.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

OTHER WORDS FROM defining

non·de·fin·ing, adjectiveself-de·fin·ing, adjective

But if that is the low bar for defining a war, then I hope the draft is reinstated.
Why I’m for the War on Christmas|Asawin Suebsaeng|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She said the defining characteristic of her husband was his sensitivity.
The Life and Hard Times Of The Family A Cuban Defector Left Behind|Brin-Jonathan Butler|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is a forum for the voices defining the global struggle for justice.
Quorum: Global LGBT Voices||December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Were you defining yourself as a fiction writer then, or did you already envision writing essays like the ones in The Unspeakable?
Meghan Daum On Tackling The Unspeakable Parts Of Life|David Yaffe|December 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But the October 1964 telecast is still regarded as the defining Ronald Reagan speech.
Remembering Reagan’s Defining Speech|Stuart Stevens|October 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In many states statutes exist defining their right to sue and be sued, and their liability to creditors.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
Then followed various clauses defining the duties and authority with which Mr. Hunt, as Manager, was invested.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
Experience has led the parties to make stipulations defining and fixing their liability.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
There was no possible answer to this defining of our relative positions and there was no more controversy.
The Supplies for the Confederate Army|Caleb Huse
Instead of defining form engaged in matter, it indicates what is the composite of soul and body, after the union has occurred.
Plotinos: Complete Works, v. 3|Plotinos (Plotinus)