def
def — adjective
- defpositive
- deffercomparative
- deffestsuperlative
1. extremely good, impressive, or stylish — an informal way to express strong appro
extremely good, impressive, or stylish — an informal way to express strong approval, originally from hip-hop and skateboard culture.
Heloísa said the band's live show was def, especially the drum solo.
predicative after 'was'
The graphic design on that album cover is totally def — the colors really pop.
collocation: totally def
Bilal's mural is so def that people travel across the city to photograph it.
That vintage denim jacket Charlotte found at the flea market is absolutely def.
- terrible
opposite in quality judgment
文法句型
def (predicative after be/look/sound)
totally/absolutely def
用法筆記
Originated in 1980s African American Vernacular English and hip-hop culture. Now less common in everyday conversation than synonyms like 'awesome' or 'cool'; using it today can sound deliberately retro or nostalgic. Not used in formal writing.
常見錯誤
def — adverb
1. a short informal form of 'definitely', used in casual speech, text messages, and
a short informal form of 'definitely', used in casual speech, text messages, and social media to express strong agreement or to emphasize that something is certain.
A: Are you coming to the barbecue on Saturday? B: Def — I will bring dessert.
short answer usage
Indra def needs a vacation after working twelve days in a row.
def + verb (position before main verb)
We def should try that new Ethiopian restaurant on Elm Street this weekend.
That documentary about coral reefs is def worth watching — the underwater footage is stunning.
Shanti def deserves the scholarship after all her volunteer work with refugees.
- definitely
the standard full form; appropriate in all registers
- for sure
similar informal register, slightly less emphatic
- absolutely
more emphatic and slightly more formal
- definitely not
opposite meaning; also used informally
文法句型
def (before main verb)
def (as short answer)
def + modal (will/can/should)
用法筆記
Very common in text messages and casual speech. In professional emails or academic writing, write 'definitely' in full. The abbreviation 'def.' (with a period) appears in informal note-taking and meeting minutes.
常見錯誤
def — noun
1. the short informal form of 'definition', used either for the meaning of a word o
the short informal form of 'definition', used either for the meaning of a word or as part of 'high-definition' to describe the sharpness of an image, video, or screen.
Charlotte asked her teacher for the def of 'photosynthesis' for the biology quiz.
pattern: the def of [word]
The new television supports ultra-high def, with four times more detail than older screens.
compound: ultra-high def
Leo looked up the def of 'algorithm' in simple terms for his computer science class.
This camera shoots in high def, so the wildlife footage looks incredibly crisp and clear.
- definition
the full form; appropriate in all contexts
- meaning
broader; can refer to intention or significance
文法句型
the def of [word/phrase]
high def / ultra-high def
what's the def of
用法筆記
The standalone use ('what's the def') is very informal. The compound forms 'high-def' and 'ultra-high def' are common in product descriptions and technology reviews, even in semi-formal writing.
常見錯誤
2. a written abbreviation for 'defendant' or 'defense', used in legal documents, co
a written abbreviation for 'defendant' or 'defense', used in legal documents, court records, and case summaries to refer to the person accused or the team representing them.
The def. entered a plea of not guilty during the hearing this morning.
abbreviation for defendant
The def.'s lawyer filed a motion asking the judge to dismiss the case.
possessive: def.'s + noun
Both the prosecution and the def. agreed to reach a settlement before the trial date.
In the court transcript, 'def.' appears as an abbreviation for the defendant in every entry.
- defendant
the full term; preferred in spoken courtroom language
- the accused
used in criminal cases, more general
- prosecution
the opposing party in a criminal trial
- plaintiff
the opposing party in a civil case
文法句型
the def. (in case documents)
def.'s attorney/lawyer
用法筆記
Always written with a period in formal legal texts. The plural form 'defs.' can appear when multiple defendants are involved. Contrast with 'pl.' (plaintiff) in civil cases.
常見錯誤
3. a written abbreviation for 'deferred', indicating that a payment, deadline, admi
a written abbreviation for 'deferred', indicating that a payment, deadline, admission decision, or project milestone has been postponed to a later date.
The tuition payment was marked as def. until the spring semester.
pattern: marked as def.
Aoi's university application showed 'def.' while the committee reviewed her additional documents.
status label in administrative records
The company listed the annual bonus as def. because of the economic downturn this year.
Adina applied for a def. payment plan to cover her medical bills over twelve months.
- current
the opposite status for payments or deadlines
文法句型
marked as def.
listed as def.
def. payment
用法筆記
Primarily found in financial statements, academic records, and project management documents. The full word 'deferred' is preferred in spoken communication and formal correspondence.