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View synonyms for

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: , , , ,

  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

/ ɪˈڲɪ /

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
“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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Derived Forms

  • ˈھԲ, adverb
  • ˈھԲ, adjective
  • ˈھԱ, noun
  • ˌھԲˈٲ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ھa· adjective
  • ·ھa·i·ٲ noun
  • ·ھa· adverb
  • ·ھԱmԳ noun
  • ·ھİ noun
  • d·ھԱ verb (used with object) misdefined misdefining
  • non·ھa·i·ٲ noun
  • non·ھa· adjective
  • non·ھa· adverb
  • ԴDzd·ھԱ adjective
  • non·ھİ noun
  • d·ھԱ verb (used with object) predefined predefining
  • d·ھԱ verb (used with object) redefined redefining
  • -·ھԱ adjective
  • i··ھԱ adjective
  • un·ھa· adjective
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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 ŧīī ”to limit, define,“ equivalent to ŧ- “from, away from, out of” + īī “to end”; de-, finish
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Word History and Origins

Origin of define1

C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin ŧīī to set bounds to, from īī to finish
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The outcomes will define not only trophies, but trajectories.

From

Gurr’s defining Disney creations — the sci-fi-inspired monorails of Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the first implementation of a tubular steel coaster in the Matterhorn — are just a small fraction of his résumé.

From

After using the term in news conferences, meetings and conversations around the Lakers’ facility all season, Redick and the coaches finally decided to define to the team in a meeting.

From

A list of loosely defined actions including causing "serious distress, serious annoyance, serious inconvenience or serious loss of amenity" were now potentially serious crimes.

From

It was a better part of my 30s — in a few months, I’ll be 39; it defines an era for me.

From

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