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WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024de•fine /dɪˈfaɪn/USA pronunciation v. [ ~ + obj], -fined, -fin•ing. - to set forth the meaning of:His job was to define new words that were not yet in the dictionaries.
- to explain or identify the nature of;
describe:We had to define what our problems were before we could solve them. - to determine or fix the boundaries of;
specify clearly:to define responsibilities. - to make clear the outline or form of;
delineate:The black tree was clearly defined against a yellow background.
de•fin•er, n. [countable]See -fin-. WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024de•fine (di fīn′),USA pronunciation v. -fined, -fin•ing. v.t. - to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.):They disagreed on how to define "liberal.''
- to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of;
describe:to define judicial functions. - to fix or lay down definitely;
specify distinctly:to define one's responsibilities. - to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of:to define property with stakes.
- to make clear the outline or form of:The roof was boldly defined against the sky.
v.i. - to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.;
construct a definition.
- Latin dēfīnīre to limit, define, equivalent. to dē- de- + fīnīre; see finish
- Anglo-French, Old French definer to put an end to
- Middle English def(f )inen 1325–75
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged state, name, describe, detail, enumerate.
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