defining
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describing the most important feature that makes something what it is.
adj.serving to define or distinguish the essential nature of a person, group, or period.
Simple“The invention of the smartphone was a defining moment for modern technology.”
In context“The architect's use of sustainable materials became the defining characteristic of her later work, setting her apart from her contemporaries.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.the act of explaining what a word means or deciding the limits of something.
v.the present participle of 'define', referring to the act of stating a precise meaning or establishing boundaries.
Simple“The committee is still defining the rules for the new competition.”
In context“By clearly defining the scope of the project at the outset, the manager successfully avoided the common trap of scope creep during the implementation phase.”
Synonyms
Usage defining feature
“The defining British stars of recent years – PinkPantheress, Raye, Lola Young – have all been, in some part, forged in the fires of TikTok.”
“The goal was to keep one rough week from defining a semester.”