define

/dɪˈfaɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈfaɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈfīn/ (ame, mw)

define — verb

  • definepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • defineshe / she / it
  • definedpast simple
  • defining-ing form

1. to explain what a word or phrase means, especially by giving a clear and precise

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to explain what a word or phrase means, especially by giving a clear and precise description of its meaning.

例句

In her English class, Anika defined the word 'courage' as the ability to face something difficult or dangerous.

passive: 'be defined as' for giving formal meanings

The dictionary defines 'hospitality' as the friendly and generous treatment of guests.

active form: define + noun + as + noun phrase

同義詞
  • explain

    broader; can describe reasons or processes, not just word meanings

  • clarify

    focuses on making something already stated easier to understand

  • specify

    gives exact details, often in a more precise or restrictive way

反義詞
  • obscure

    to make something unclear or hard to understand

文法句型

define + noun

be defined as + noun

define what/which + clause

用法筆記

Often used in the passive form 'be defined as', especially in academic and dictionary contexts. The object is typically a word, term, or concept rather than a physical object.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher asked us to define about the meaning of freedom.
✅The teacher asked us to define the meaning of freedom.
💡'define' is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition after it.
❌The word hospitality is defined like the friendly treatment of guests.
✅The word hospitality is defined as the friendly treatment of guests.
💡'as' is the correct linking word in this pattern, not 'like'.

2. to state the nature, scope, or limits of something such as a role, responsibilit

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to state the nature, scope, or limits of something such as a role, responsibility, or relationship, making clear what it includes and what it does not.

例句

The employment contract clearly defines each worker's duties and weekly hours.

adverb placement: clearly defines + noun

The constitution defines the powers of the president and the limits of those powers.

同義詞
  • delineate

    more formal; suggests careful, detailed boundary-setting

  • set out

    less formal; means to state clearly in writing or speech

  • establish

    focuses on creating or setting something firmly

反義詞
  • blur

    to make boundaries unclear

  • obscure

    to hide or make something less distinct

文法句型

define + noun

clearly define + noun

be defined by + noun

用法筆記

Frequently used in formal, legal, and organisational contexts. The object is commonly an abstract noun such as 'role', 'responsibility', 'boundary', 'right', or 'duty'. Passive structures are very common.

常見錯誤

❌Each employee's role is define in the handbook.
✅Each employee's role is defined in the handbook.
💡the past participle 'defined' is required in the passive form.
❌The contract defines of the responsibilities.
✅The contract defines the responsibilities.
💡'define' takes a direct object without a preposition.

3. to show the shape or outer edge of something clearly, making it easy to see agai

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to show the shape or outer edge of something clearly, making it easy to see against its background.

例句

The old stone wall defines the boundary between the two farms.

subject = physical object (stone wall)

In the painting, bold black lines define each figure against the white background.

define against [background]

同義詞
  • outline

    suggests a clear external boundary, often drawn or visible

  • silhouette

    specifically means to show as a dark shape against a lighter background

  • delineate

    formal; to draw or describe the edge or shape precisely

文法句型

define + noun

be defined against + noun

用法筆記

Subject is typically a physical object or natural feature (wall, line, light, mountain) rather than a person. Unlike senses 1 and 2, this sense deals with physical visibility, not abstract meaning.

常見錯誤

❌The trees defined the garden's border clear.
✅The trees clearly defined the garden's border.
💡'defined' is a verb and requires an adverb ('clearly'), not an adjective ('clear').
❌The edge of the roof is defined clear against the sky.
✅The edge of the roof is clearly defined against the sky.
💡passive form also needs the adverb, not the adjective.