Word
define
Phoneticsde·fine, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈfaɪn/
UK/dɪfˈaɪn/
Definitions
01to state a word's meaning
B1 · Intermediate General-service
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.
“The dictionary helps you define words you have never seen before.”
“The introductory chapter seeks to define the technical terminology used throughout the rest of the textbook to ensure student clarity.”
02to describe qualities
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
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.
“Hard work and kindness are the values that define her character.”
“The architect argued that the use of natural light should define the building's interior aesthetic rather than being a secondary consideration.”
Synonyms
03to set limits
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
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.
“The new fence will clearly define the border between the two gardens.”
“The treaty failed to define the maritime borders accurately, leading to decades of diplomatic tension between the neighbouring states.”
Synonyms
04programming macro
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
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.
“The programmer used a define to set the maximum number of users.”
“By using a global define for the version number, the development team could update the entire software suite from a single header file.”
Usage
Often pronounced with the stress on the first syllable when used as a noun in technical contexts.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “define” in context.
Verb
01. accurately define
“It is difficult to accurately define the term without more context.”
adv + verb
02. broadly define
“The law is broadly defined to include many different types of behavior.”
adv + verb
03. carefully define
“You must carefully define your research goals before you start the project.”
adv + verb
04. clearly define
“The contract should clearly define the responsibilities of both parties.”
adv + verb
05. culturally define
“Beauty is often culturally defined and varies from one country to another.”
adv + verb
06. define as
“Psychologists define stress as a reaction to a perceived threat.”
verb + prep
07. define by
“You should not let your failures define you by limiting your future potential.”
verb + prep
08. define concept
“The teacher asked the students to define the concept of democracy in their own words.”
verb + noun
09. define domain
“The new policy will define the domain of the local government's power.”
verb + noun
10. define goal
“It is important to define your goals early in your career.”
verb + noun
11. define parameter
“The software allows you to define the parameters for the search.”
verb + noun
12. define role
“The manager needs to define the role of each team member.”
verb + noun
Etymology
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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
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