de·fine
Pronounced:
/dɪˈfaɪn/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
de·fines; de·fined; de·fin·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 : to explain the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.) ▪ How would you define (the word) “grotesque”? ▪ a term that is difficult to define
2 : to show or describe (someone or something) clearly and completely ▪ The government study seeks to define urban poverty. ▪ Her book aims to define acceptable social behavior. ▪ He was defined by his passions. [=his passions showed what kind of person he was] ▪ She believes that success should be defined in terms of health and happiness. ▪ Tigers are broadly/loosely defined [=described very generally] as large cats. ▪ He narrowly defines [=describes very specifically] a hero as someone who has earned a medal in battle.
3 : to show the shape, outline, or edge of (something) very clearly ▪ That fence defines the far edge of the property.
2 : to show or describe (someone or something) clearly and completely ▪ The government study seeks to define urban poverty. ▪ Her book aims to define acceptable social behavior. ▪ He was defined by his passions. [=his passions showed what kind of person he was] ▪ She believes that success should be defined in terms of health and happiness. ▪ Tigers are broadly/loosely defined [=described very generally] as large cats. ▪ He narrowly defines [=describes very specifically] a hero as someone who has earned a medal in battle.
3 : to show the shape, outline, or edge of (something) very clearly ▪ That fence defines the far edge of the property.
—de·fin·able /dɪˈfaɪnəbəl/ adjective [more de*fin*able; most de*fin*able] ▪ an easily definable word ▪ definable risk factors
/dɪˈfaɪnəbəl/ adjective [more de*fin*able; most de*fin*able] ▪ an easily definable word ▪ definable risk factors—defined adjective [more defined; most defined] ▪ a clearly defined neighborhood ▪ Her cheekbones are well-defined.
—defining adjective always used before a noun ▪ That was the campaign's defining moment. [=the moment that showed very clearly what kind of campaign it was]