define

define
/dI'faIn/ verb (T)
1 to describe something correctly and thoroughly: the ability to define clients' needs | define sth clearly/precisely: The powers of the President are clearly defined in the Constitution.
2 to explain exactly the meaning of a particular word or idea: Each of us might define the concept of freedom in a very different way. | define sth as: The dictionary defines it as `a narrow passage'. | define sth loosely/broadly (=define something in a way that is less exact)
3 to show the edge or shape of something clearly: sharply/clearly defined: sharply defined footprints in the fresh snow
4 to have particular features or qualities that make you different or separate from other people or things: define sth as: Which qualities define us as human?
— definable adjective definite /'defInit, 'defnit/ adjective
1 clearly known, seen, or stated: Amanda saw a definite change in her son that year.
2 a definite arrangement, promise etc will happen in the way that someone has said: We have to set a definite date for the concert.
3 be definite (about) to say something very firmly so that people understand exactly what you mean: She was very definite about how she felt.

Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.

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Synonyms:
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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Define — De*fine , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Defined}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Defining}.] [OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. d[ e]finir to define, L. definire to limit, define; de + finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See {Final}, {Finish}.]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • define — UK US /dɪˈfaɪn/ verb [T] ► to say what the meaning of something, especially a word, is: »Economists normally define a recession as two successive quarters of negative growth. ► to explain and state the meaning and exact limits of something: »a… …   Financial and business terms

  • define — [dē fīn′, difīn′] vt. defined, defining [ME diffinen < OFr definer & ML diffinire, both < L definire, to limit, define < de , from + finire, to set a limit to, bound: see FINISH] 1. a) to determine or set down the boundaries of b) to… …   English World dictionary

  • define — [v1] give description ascertain, assign, call a spade a spade*, characterize, construe, decide, delineate, denominate, denote, describe, designate, detail, determine, dub, elucidate, entitle, etch, exemplify, explain, expound, formalize,… …   New thesaurus

  • Define — De*fine , v. i. To determine; to decide. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • define — I verb characterize, characterize precisely, circumscribere, clarify, construe, definire, delineate, denominate, depict the essential qualities of, describe, describe the properties of, designate, determine the essential qualities of, determine… …   Law dictionary

  • define — (v.) late 14c., to specify; to end, from O.Fr. defenir to end, terminate, determine, and directly from L. definire to limit, determine, explain, from de completely (see DE (Cf. de )) + finire to bound, limit, from finis boundary, end (see FINISH… …   Etymology dictionary

  • define — vb *prescribe, assign Analogous words: *limit, circumscribe: fix, *set, establish Contrasted words: *mix, merge, mingle: *mistake, confuse, confound …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • define — ► VERB 1) state or describe the exact nature or scope of. 2) give the meaning of (a word or phrase). 3) mark out the limits or outline of. DERIVATIVES definable adjective definer noun. ORIGIN Latin definire, from finire finish …   English terms dictionary

  • define — 01. For homework, please [define] the following expressions in your own words. 02. It can be quite difficult to clearly [define] abstract ideas such as love or friendship. 03. Moderate alcohol consumption is [defined] as no more than 2 drinks a… …   Grammatical examples in English

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