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.
Nearby words
defier, defilade, defile, defilement, definable, define, defined, defined-benefit, definiendum, definiens, defining
Origin of define
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for self-defined
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 self-defined
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 Formsdefinable, adjectivedefinability, noundefinably, adverbdefiner, noun
Word 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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for self-defined
define
late 14c., "to specify; to end," from Old French defenir "to end, terminate, determine," and directly from Latin definire "to limit, determine, explain," from de- "completely" (see de-) + finire "to bound, limit," from finis "boundary, end" (see finish (n.)). Related: Defined; defining.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper