define
to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.): They disagreed on how to define “liberal.”
to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe: to define judicial functions.
to fix or lay down clearly and definitely; specify distinctly: to define one's responsibilities.
to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of: to define property with stakes.
to make clear the outline or form of: The roof was boldly defined against the sky.
to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.; construct a definition.
Origin of define
1Other words for define
Other words from define
- de·fin·a·ble, adjective
- de·fin·a·bil·i·ty, noun
- de·fin·a·bly, adverb
- de·fine·ment, noun
- de·fin·er, noun
- mis·de·fine, verb (used with object), mis·de·fined, mis·de·fin·ing.
- non·de·fin·a·bil·i·ty, noun
- non·de·fin·a·ble, adjective
- non·de·fin·a·bly, adverb
- non·de·fined, adjective
- non·de·fin·er, noun
- pre·de·fine, verb (used with object), pre·de·fined, pre·de·fin·ing.
- re·de·fine, verb (used with object), re·de·fined, re·de·fin·ing.
- self-de·fined, adjective
- sem·i·de·fined, adjective
- un·de·fin·a·ble, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use define in a sentence
While Drake is redefining realness, Iggy is effectively “passing.”
Minsky became a role model for those living with disabilities, redefining long-held standards of beauty and perfection.
From G.I. to Eye Candy: War Vet Alex Minsky’s Model Turn | Itay Hod | March 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST“The threshold issue is redefining drugs as a health problem,” Wodak said.
Legal, Regulated Heroin Could Have Saved Philip Seymour Hoffman | Valerie Vande Panne | February 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTJoshua DuBois on a new generation of women who are redefining their roles—and changing Christianity in the process.
I doubt you could have prevented the killing of their female partners by redefining their sense of manliness.
Pundits Pin Blame for Murderer Jovan Belcher on Everything But Him | Buzz Bissinger | December 5, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
What the world most needs at such a moment of expansion and rebellion, is a redefining of its ideals.
Preaching and Paganism | Albert Parker FitchWe have already remarked how timely and necessary is this redefining of our religious values.
Preaching and Paganism | Albert Parker Fitch
British Dictionary definitions for define
/ (dɪˈfaɪn) /
to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc)
to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of
to determine the boundary or extent of
(often passive) to delineate the form or outline of: the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it
to fix with precision; specify
Origin of define
1Derived forms of define
- definable, adjective
- definability, noun
- definably, adverb
- definer, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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