What does "define" mean?

1. (to state a word's meaning) to give the meaning of a word, phrase, or symbol. 2. (to describe qualities) to describe the most important qualities of a person, thing, or situation. 3. (to set limits) to show the edges or limits of something very clearly. 4. (programming macro) a command in computer code that replaces one piece of text with another.

How do you use "define"?

Often pronounced with the stress on the first syllable when used as a noun in technical contexts.

define

v. · n.

US //dɪˈfaɪn// UK //dɪfˈaɪn// de·fine

1 to state a word's meaning (v.)
B1 Intermediate General-service

to give the meaning of a word, phrase, or symbol.

to state the precise meaning of a word, phrase, or sign. Transitive; requires a direct object.

Example

The dictionary helps you define words you have never seen before.

Example

The introductory chapter seeks to define the technical terminology used throughout the rest of the textbook to ensure student clarity.
- explain
- spell out
2 to describe qualities (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to describe the most important qualities of a person, thing, or situation.

to describe or identify the essential nature or distinctive properties of something.

Example

Hard work and kindness are the values that define her character.

Example

The architect argued that the use of natural light should define the building's interior aesthetic rather than being a secondary consideration.
- characterize
- identify

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 to set limits (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to show the edges or limits of something very clearly.

to mark out the boundaries or limits of an area, concept, or object with distinctness.

Example

The new fence will clearly define the border between the two gardens.

Example

The treaty failed to define the maritime borders accurately, leading to decades of diplomatic tension between the neighbouring states.
- demarcate
- delimit
- outline
- blur
- confuse
4 programming macro (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

a command in computer code that replaces one piece of text with another.

a preprocessor directive or macro in source code that maps an identifier to a specific string or value.

Example

The programmer used a define to set the maximum number of users.

Example

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.
- macro
- directive

Origin

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”).

Word family

Verbdefine
Verbredefine