define
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to give the meaning of a word, phrase, or symbol.
v.to state the precise meaning of a word, phrase, or sign. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Simple“The dictionary helps you define words you have never seen before.”
In context“The introductory chapter seeks to define the technical terminology used throughout the rest of the textbook to ensure student clarity.”
Synonymsexplainspell out - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to describe the most important qualities of a person, thing, or situation.
v.to describe or identify the essential nature or distinctive properties of something.
Simple“Hard work and kindness are the values that define her character.”
In context“The architect argued that the use of natural light should define the building's interior aesthetic rather than being a secondary consideration.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to show the edges or limits of something very clearly.
v.to mark out the boundaries or limits of an area, concept, or object with distinctness.
Simple“The new fence will clearly define the border between the two gardens.”
In context“The treaty failed to define the maritime borders accurately, leading to decades of diplomatic tension between the neighbouring states.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.a command in computer code that replaces one piece of text with another.
n.a preprocessor directive or macro in source code that maps an identifier to a specific string or value.
Simple“The programmer used a define to set the maximum number of users.”
In context“By using a global define for the version number, the development team could update the entire software suite from a single header file.”
UsageOften pronounced with the stress on the first syllable when used as a noun in technical contexts.
Usage accurately define · broadly define · carefully define
From Middle English definen, from Old French definer, variant of definir, from Latin dēfīniō (“limit, settle, define”), from dē + fīniō (“set a limit, bound, end”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.