define
[ dih-fahyn ]
/ dɪˈfaɪn /
verb (used with object), de·fined, de·fin·ing.
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.
verb (used without object), de·fined, de·fin·ing.
to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.; construct a definition.
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seclusion
Origin of define
OTHER WORDS FROM define
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for define
Further to the left are the self-defined “pro-Israel, pro-peace” groups like Americans for Peace Now and J-Street.
People younger than 30 are disproportionately swelling the ranks of the self-defined lower classes.
Is the Great Recession making Americans more class-conscious?|David Frum|September 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
British Dictionary definitions for define
define
/ (dɪˈfaɪn) /
verb (tr)
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 ofthe shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it
to fix with precision; specify
Derived forms of define
definable, adjectivedefinability, noundefinably, adverbdefiner, nounWord Origin for define
C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin dēfīnīre to set bounds to, from fīnīre to finish
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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