Nearby Words
verb (used with object)
1.
2.
to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe: to define judicial functions.
3.
to fix or lay down definitely; specify distinctly: to define one's responsibilities.
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)
6.
to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.; construct a definition.
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Define
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is fletcherise. Does it mean:
| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
| to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly. |
Origin:
1325–75; Middle English def(f)inen < Anglo-French, Old French definer to put an end to < Latin dēfīnīre to limit, define, equivalent to dē- de- + fīnīre; see finish
1325–75; Middle English def(f)inen < Anglo-French, Old French definer to put an end to < Latin dēfīnīre to limit, define, equivalent to dē- de- + fīnīre; see finish
Related forms
de·fin·a·ble, adjective
de·fin·a·bil·i·ty, noun
de·fin·a·bly, adverb
de·fine·ment, noun
de·fin·er, noun
EXPANDmis·de·fine, verb (used with object), -fined, -fin·ing.
non·de·fin·a·bil·i·ty, noun
non·de·fin·a·ble, adjective
non·de·fin·a·b·ly, adverb
non·de·fined, adjective
non·de·fin·er, noun
pre·de·fine, verb (used with object), -fined, -fin·ing.
re·de·fine, verb (used with object), -fined, -fin·ing.
self-de·fined, adjective
sem·i·de·fined, adjective
un·de·fin·a·ble, adjective
COLLAPSESynonyms
3. state, name, describe, detail, enumerate.
3. state, name, describe, detail, enumerate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To define
Example Sentences
- At that time, there were two competing proposals for how to define a standard unit of measure, or meter.
- Before you can talk about anything, you have to know what it is; you must be able to define it.
- If you know anything about scientific process or just logic, you would know that you can't cure something you can't even define.
Collins
World English Dictionary
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
define
late 14c., from O.Fr. definir "to end, terminate, determine," from L. definire "to limit, determine, explain," from de- "completely" + finire "to bound, limit," from finis "boundary, end" (see finish). Definite means "defined, clear, precise, unmistakable;" definitive means
EXPAND"having the character of finality."
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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