Defination vs. Definition — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 22, 2023
"Defination" is a common misspelling. The correct spelling is "Definition," which refers to a statement explaining a word's meaning.

Which is correct: Defination or Definition
How to spell Definition?

Defination
Incorrect Spelling

Definition
Correct Spelling
Difference Between Defination and Definition
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Think of the word "finite" hidden in "definition."

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Aug 22, 2023
If you know the word "definitive," it's just a short leap to "definition."

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Aug 22, 2023
Remember it has the root "define," followed by "-ition."

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The "-tion" ending is common in English, like in "relation" or "operation."

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Pronunciation guides the spelling: It's "deh-fuh-NI-shuhn," not "deh-fuh-NAY-shuhn."

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Aug 22, 2023
Definitions
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Definition➦
A detailed description of the design and workings of something.
The engineer's report included a definition of the machine's mechanisms.

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Definition➦
The degree of distinctness in outline of an object or image.
The artist's portrait had such sharp definition that every facial feature stood out vividly.

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Aug 22, 2023
Definition➦
A definition is a statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols). Definitions can be classified into two large categories, intensional definitions (which try to give the sense of a term) and extensional definitions (which try to list the objects that a term describes).

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Definition➦
The clarity or sharpness of an optical or auditory image.
The new television has excellent definition, making the colors pop.

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Definition➦
A statement explaining the meaning of a term.
The dictionary provided a clear definition of the word ambiguous.

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Definition➦
A decisive conclusion or boundary.
The case's resolution provided a definition to the prolonged debate.

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Definition➦
A statement of the exact meaning of a word, especially in a dictionary
A dictionary definition of the verb

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Definition➦
The degree of distinctness in outline of an object, image, or sound
The clarity and definition of pictures can be aided by using computer graphics

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Definition➦
A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, or term, as in a dictionary entry.

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Definition➦
A statement or description of the fundamental character or scope of something
"[The panel] calls for a clearer definition of the status of people captured in American military operations" (Economist).

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Definition➦
The act or process of stating a precise meaning or significance; formulation of a meaning
The definition of terms is essential to any successful scholarly study.

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Definition➦
The state of being clearly outlined
"With the drizzle, the trees in the little clearing had lost definition" (Anthony Hyde).

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Definition➦
The level of detail in a recording, production, or digital encoding of an image or sound.

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Definition➦
A statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).
Your definition of "elephant" needs to be more precise than "a big animal with large ears".

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Definition➦
A clear instance conforming to the dictionary or textbook definition.

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Definition➦
A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation

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Definition➦
The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
Her comic genius is beyond definition.

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Definition➦
Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail.
The definition of a telescope.
Improve the definition of an image.
High-defintion videos

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Definition➦
Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits.
A jacket with distinct waist definition.

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Definition➦
(bodybuilding) The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body.

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Definition➦
(programming) A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function).

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Definition➦
(mathematics) A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.

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Definition➦
The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, a telescope accurate in definition.

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Definition➦
Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a description of a thing by its properties; an explanation of the meaning of a word or term; as, the definition of "circle;" the definition of "wit;" an exact definition; a loose definition.
Definition being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for.

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Definition➦
An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.

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Definition➦
Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.

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Definition➦
A concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol

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Definition➦
Clarity of outline;
Exercise had give his muscles superior definition

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FAQs
Why is it called Definition?
The term "definition" derives from Latin "definire" meaning "to limit, determine," emphasizing the setting of boundaries or clarity about something.

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Aug 22, 2023
Which vowel is used before Definition?
The vowel "i" is used before "definition" in words like "a definition" or "the definition."

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Which preposition is used with Definition?
The preposition "of" is often used with "definition," as in "definition of a term."

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Which conjunction is used with Definition?
No specific conjunction is inherently linked to "definition," but any can be used as context demands.

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What is the pronunciation of Definition?
It is pronounced as /ˌdɛf.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/.

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Is Definition an abstract noun?
Yes, "definition" is an abstract noun as it represents an idea or concept.

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Is the word Definition imperative?
No, "definition" is not in the imperative form.

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What is the singular form of Definition?
The singular form is "definition."

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Is Definition a collective noun?
No, "definition" is not a collective noun.

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Is the Definition term a metaphor?
No, "definition" itself isn't a metaphor, though it can be used metaphorically in some contexts.

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Which article is used with Definition?
Both "a" and "the" can be used with "definition" depending on the context.

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Is Definition a vowel or consonant?
"Definition" is a noun and consists of both vowels and consonants.

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How many syllables are in Definition?
There are four syllables in "definition."

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Which determiner is used with Definition?
Determiners like "this," "that," "a," "the," or "my" can be used with "definition."

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Is Definition a countable noun?
Yes, "definition" is countable. For example, "There are several definitions for that word."

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Is the word “Definition” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Definition" can serve as either depending on the sentence. For example, in "She gave the definition to him," it's a direct object.

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What is another term for Definition?
Another term could be "explanation" or "description."

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What is the second form of Definition?
The second form of the verb "define" is "defined."

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What is the third form of Definition?
The third form of the verb "define" is also "defined."

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Is Definition a negative or positive word?
"Definition" is neutral; it's neither inherently positive nor negative.

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What is the first form of Definition?
The verb form "define" is the base or first form.

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How is Definition used in a sentence?
The dictionary provided a concise definition for the term "ephemeral."

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How do we divide Definition into syllables?
It is divided as de-fi-ni-tion.

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What is a stressed syllable in Definition?
The third syllable, "ni," is stressed.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform.
Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.