define

IPA/dɪˈfaɪn/
KK[dɪfˈaɪn]IPA/dɪˈfaɪn/

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.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

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

Example

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

Common collocations
  • define a term
  • define a word
  • define a concept
  • define something as
  • broadly defined
  • narrowly defined
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • obscure

    to make something unclear or hard to understand

Grammar Patterns

define + noun

be defined as + noun

define what/which + clause

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

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.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

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.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • define a role
  • define boundaries
  • define the scope of
  • define responsibilities
  • strictly defined
  • clearly defined
  • define limits
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • blur

    to make boundaries unclear

  • obscure

    to hide or make something less distinct

Grammar Patterns

define + noun

clearly define + noun

be defined by + noun

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

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.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

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

Example

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]

Common collocations
  • define an outline
  • define a shape
  • define a boundary
  • define against
  • sharply defined
  • clearly defined
Synonyms
  • 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

Grammar Patterns

define + noun

be defined against + noun

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

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.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Define' means to give the precise meaning of a word or concept, setting boundaries around what it includes and excludes — it is the most specific of these verbs. 'Explain' is broader: you can explain a process, a reason, or an idea by giving details that make it clear, without necessarily giving a dictionary-style meaning. 'Clarify' means to make something that was already said or written easier to understand, often by removing confusion or adding detail in response to a question. 'Specify' involves giving exact, concrete details rather than general statements. For example, a science teacher might define 'photosynthesis' for a new unit, explain how the process works step by step, clarify a student's confusion about sunlight, and specify that the reaction requires water, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll.

define ↗explain ↗clarify ↗specify ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • well defined
  • ill defined
  • define what…
  • define which…

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'define' entered English in the 14th century through Middle English ('diffinen') and Anglo-French ('definer'), tracing back to the Latin verb 'dēfīnīre'. This Latin form combined 'dē-' (down, from, away) with 'fīnīre' (to set boundaries, to limit), which itself came from the noun 'fīnis' (end, boundary, limit). The original meaning was 'to mark the limits of' or 'to determine the boundaries of', and it later expanded to include the modern sense of explaining a word's meaning precisely.