defineverb [ T ]
uk/dɪˈfaɪn/us/dɪˈfaɪn/define verb [ T ] (EXPLAIN)
B2 to say what the meaning of something, especially a word, is:
In the dictionary, "reality" is defined as "the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be".
Before I answer your question, could you define your terms a little more (= explain what you mean by the words you have used)?
See also
well defined
B2 to explain and describe the meaning and exact limits of something:
Your rights and responsibilities are defined in the citizens' charter.
Your role in the project will be strictly defined (= limited to particular areas).
I'd hate to feel that I was defined by (= that my life got its meaning and importance only from) my job.
More examples
- It is very difficult to define the concept of beauty.
- The borderline between friendship and intimacy is often hard to define.
- Security defined in the broadest sense of the term means getting at the root causes of trouble and helping to reduce regional conflicts.
- It's a very hierarchical organization in which everyone's status is clearly defined.
- Responsibility, I suppose, is what defines adulthood.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Defining & explaining
- (do you) see what I mean? idiom
- account (to sb) for sth
- accountable
- cast
- clarify
- convey
- demystify
- descriptive
- every picture tells a story idiom
- evocative
- evoke
- explicable
- explicate
- fill
- get sth across
- mean
- scene
- schematic
- that is to say ... idiom
- unfold
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define verb [ T ] (CLEARLY SHOW)
to show clearly the edge of something:
The outline of the castle on the hill was clearly defined against the evening sky.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Showing and demonstrating
- act
- act sth out
- attest
- barometer
- bespeak
- bring
- bring sth forward
- flicker
- manifestation
- produce
- prove
- put up sth
- radiate
- revealing
- says something about sb/sth idiom
- signify
- strike
- suggest
- token
- wear
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definable
adjective uk/dɪˈfaɪ.nə.bəl/us/dɪˈfaɪ.nə.bəl/
definable rules of grammar/syntax