Define Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on June 21, 2025
Define means to explain the meaning of a word, phrase, or concept, often clearly and precisely. e.g., Dictionaries are used to define words.
Table of Contents
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Define Definitions
To outline or mark the boundaries
The river defines the border between the two countries.
To make something clear or understandable
The study aims to define the impact of social media.
To state the meaning of a word or phrase
The teacher asked us to define 'democracy'.
To determine the nature or character of something
His leadership skills define his success.
To describe the scope or extent
The law defines the rights of citizens.
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To delineate or outline
The artist defines the shapes with bold lines.
To express the essential nature of something
The documentary defines the challenges of wildlife conservation.
To characterize something in a particular way
The era was defined by technological innovation.
To establish something precisely
The theory is defined by its four key principles.
To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain
Define the properties of a new drug.
A study that defines people according to their median incomes.
To make clear the outline or form of; delineate
Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
To specify distinctly
Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
To give form or meaning to
"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
To make or write a definition.
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
The defining power of an optical instrument
(obsolete) To settle, decide an argument etc.
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.
Person 1: Is she good at math?
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
To define the legal boundaries of a property
To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
To determine; to decide.
Give a definition for the meaning of a word;
Define `sadness'
Determine the essential quality of
Determine the nature of;
What defines a good wine?
Define Snonyms
Describe
To say or write what someone or something is like.
The guide described the history of the castle.
Specify
To identify clearly and definitely.
The contract specifies the dates of the payments.
Delineate
To describe or portray (something) precisely.
The report delineated the steps necessary for a successful project.
Characterize
To describe the distinctive nature or features of.
She characterized the period as a time of crisis.
Outline
To give a summary of something.
The lecture outlined the theory's basic principles.
Explain
To make (an idea, situation, or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas.
Can you explain how it works?
Enumerate
To mention (a number of things) one by one.
She enumerated the many obstacles she had encountered.
Clarify
To make (a statement or situation) less confused and more clearly comprehensible.
The spokesperson tried to clarify the government's position.
Detail
To report or relate minutely or in detail.
He detailed his journey across the Sahara.
Illustrate
To explain or make (something) clear by using examples, charts, pictures, etc.
The teacher illustrated his point with an experiment.
Define Idioms & Phrases
Define the relationship (DTR)
To clarify the nature of a personal relationship.
They decided it was time to define the relationship and discuss their future.
Define the line
To establish a clear distinction or boundary.
The new law aims to define the line between legal and illegal activities.
Define one's destiny
To determine one's own future or fate.
She believes in hard work to define one's destiny.
Define the scope
To specify the range or extent of something.
The first meeting will help to define the scope of the project.
Define the terms
To specify or clarify the meaning of terms used in a discussion.
Before we proceed, let's define the terms to avoid confusion.
Define your space
To personalize or claim an area for oneself.
She decorated her office to define her space.
Define the problem
To clearly state or describe an issue or challenge.
The first step in solving any issue is to define the problem.
Define one's terms
To clearly state what one means by specific terms.
In this debate, it's important that each speaker defines their terms.
Define the moment
To characterize a particular moment as significant or defining.
The championship win helped to define the moment for the team.
Define the stakes
To explain what is to be won or lost in a situation.
The political campaign aims to define the stakes of the election for voters.
Define success
To specify what achievement or accomplishment means to an individual or group.
Each person must define success in their own terms.
Define the odds
To establish the likelihood of various outcomes.
Before placing a bet, it's wise to define the odds.
Define by contrast
To explain something by showing how it is different from other things.
The novel defines its characters by contrast to one another.
Define in detail
To explain something with all the particulars and specifics.
The manual defines in detail how to assemble the furniture.
Define your boundaries
To establish what one is comfortable with, especially in personal relationships.
It's important to define your boundaries early in a relationship.
Define your priorities
To decide what is most important to oneself.
Balancing work and personal life requires you to define your priorities.
Define the parameters
To set the limits or boundaries of something.
The committee will define the parameters of the study.
Define in black and white
To state something clearly and unequivocally.
The contract defines the responsibilities in black and white.
Define the field
To describe the nature and scope of a particular area of study or interest.
The new research helps to define the field of artificial intelligence.
Define the terms of engagement
To specify the conditions or rules of interaction, especially in conflict situations.
The diplomats worked to define the terms of engagement to prevent escalation.
Define Example Sentences
The outline of the mountains was clearly defined against the sky.
His actions define him as a true leader.
Can you define what 'integrity' means?
The constitution defines the powers of the government.
The new policy defines how data should be handled.
The term 'sustainability' is difficult to define.
The job description clearly defines the roles and responsibilities.
Artists often define their own unique styles.
The boundaries of the protected area are well defined.
The scientist worked to define a new theory.
The debate will define the key issues of the campaign.
The dress code is defined in the company handbook.
The rules define what is considered fair play.
The guidelines define the standards for quality.
The speech aimed to define the party's future direction.
Common Curiosities
How many syllables are in define?
There are two syllables in define.
What is the first form of define?
The first form of define is define (base form).
What is the verb form of define?
Define is itself a verb in its base form.
Why is it called define?
It's called define because it comes from the Latin word 'definire', meaning to limit, determine, explain, which reflects the act of setting boundaries or explaining the meaning of something.
How do we divide define into syllables?
Define is divided into syllables as de-fine.
What is the pronunciation of define?
Define is pronounced as /dɪˈfaɪn/.
What is the second form of define?
The second form of define is defined (past simple).
What is the singular form of define?
Define does not have a singular or plural form; it remains the same as it is a verb.
How is define used in a sentence?
Define is used to describe the act of explaining or clarifying something, e.g., Please define the key terms in your report.
What is the root word of define?
The root of define is the Latin word 'finis', meaning end or limit, through 'definire'.
What is the third form of define?
The third form of define is defined (past participle).
What is a stressed syllable in define?
The stressed syllable in define is the second one, -fine.
Is define a noun or adjective?
Define is a verb, not a noun or adjective.
What is the plural form of define?
Define does not have a plural form as it is a verb.
Is define a countable noun?
Define is not a noun; it's a verb.
Is define an adverb?
No, define is not an adverb.
Is define a negative or positive word?
Define is generally neutral but can be seen in a positive light when it brings clarity or understanding.
Is the define term a metaphor?
Define can be used metaphorically in contexts where it means to bring clarity or understanding to abstract concepts.
What part of speech is define?
Define is a verb.
What is another term for define?
Another term for define is elucidate.
Is define a vowel or consonant?
The word define starts with a consonant.
Is the word define imperative?
Define can be used in the imperative mood when giving commands or instructions, e.g., "Define your terms."
Is the word “define” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Define is a verb, so it does not serve as a direct or indirect object; however, it can take both in sentences.
Is the word define Gerund?
The gerund form of define is defining.
Which vowel is used before define?
Vowels in articles or prepositions like "a" or "an" can precede define depending on the context, but typically "a" is used, as in "a defined term."
Which article is used with define?
The indefinite article "a" is often used before nouns related to the action of defining, e.g., "a defined boundary," but define itself as a verb does not take an article.
What is the opposite of define?
The opposite of define could be obscure or confuse.
Is define an abstract noun?
No, define is a verb, not a noun.
Is define a collective noun?
No, define is not a collective noun; it is a verb.
Which determiner is used with define?
Determiners such as "the," "a," or possessive pronouns can be used with nouns related to define, but not with define directly since it's a verb.
Which preposition is used with define?
Prepositions like "as," "by," or "in" can be used with define depending on the context, e.g., "define as significant," "define by characteristics," or "define in detail."
Which conjunction is used with define?
Conjunctions like "and," "or," or "but" can be used with define to connect clauses, e.g., "define and explain," "define or describe," or "define but not limit."
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
