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: enumerate, detail, describe, name, state

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

/ dɪˈfaɪn /

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

Other Word Forms

• definably adverb
• definable adjective
• definer noun
• definability noun
• definement noun
• misdefine verb (used with object)
• nondefinability noun
• nondefinable adjective
• nondefinably adverb
• nondefined adjective
• nondefiner noun
• predefine verb (used with object)
• redefine verb (used with object)
• self-defined adjective
• semidefined adjective
• undefinable adjective

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 dēfīnīre ”to limit, define,“ equivalent to dē- “from, away from, out of” + fīnīre “to end”; de-, finish

Word History and Origins

Origin of define¹

C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin dēfīnīre to set bounds to, from fīnīre to _finish

Example Sentences

But their biggest failing is this: They fail to use the moment to define the real parameters of the debate on their own turf.

From Salon

This led to experimentation with the revolutionary methods of fabrication that would later define the scene.

From Los Angeles Times

It tells them how to think, defines the boundaries of their reality and dictates who they love and hate.

From Salon

Appropriate tutoring is defined as small groups of six or fewer students or one-on-one sessions aligned with the student’s classroom work.

From Los Angeles Times

Yeah, it kind of became defined as maybe a person who wanted to go to bed angry with somebody who wanted to go to bed happy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• characterize 
• construe 
• decide 
• delineate 
• describe 
• designate 
• detail 
• determine 
• exemplify 
• explain 
• illustrate 
• interpret 
• prescribe 
• represent 
• specify 
• spell out