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to define

to define

878 1.0
To say exactly what something is or what it means
  • verb
  • /dɪˈfaɪn/
translation icon : definir
  • That is not how I define a good person.
  • define the term
  • clearly define
  • help define

And so it's, so it's hard to define what impact means.

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Examples

  • How do you suggest people think about or define this term?

  • Can you, can you define what influence means to you?

  • Is that how you define good judgment?

  • Nevertheless, efforts have been made to define and improve quality in higher education.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Middle school students are working to define themselves as separate from peers and adults.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The Standards also can be used to define the limits of acceptable content.

    Academic text (2011)
  • And that's the way we define goodness in our world.

  • The challenge must then be carefully defined so that it aligns with the objectives of the course.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Once the operating environment is defined, the existing filtration system can be evaluated.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Can you define what success means in your career?

Synonyms

to set
vsto define
1.9

To decide a rule, value or deadline

focuses more on stating precise meaning and limits than setting rules
to determine
vsto define
781 2.3

To find out a fact by checking or measuring

instead aims to state exact meaning or limits rather than discover facts
to interpret
vsto define
386 3.3

To explain what something means

is more about stating exact meaning and fixed limits rather than interpretation
to fix
vsto define
331 1.6

To decide a date or plan

covers exact meaning and scope rather than only choosing practical details
to specify
vsto define
118 3.5

To give clear, exact details about something

focuses more on overall exact meaning and limits rather than listing details
to clearly state
vsto define
34 2.7

Say or write something so people have no doubt

adds the act of deciding exact identity or limits beyond clarity
to elucidate
vsto define
  • Formal
11 6.8

To explain something so it is easy to understand

aims for exact specification of meaning and limits rather than general clarity
to delineate
vsto define
  • Formal
5 6.8

To describe something clearly and in detail

is broader, covering exact meaning or limits not only detailed description
to delimit
vsto define
  • Formal
1 7.0

To mark the edges of an area or idea

also covers exact meaning beyond just marking borders
to delimitate
vsto define
  • Formal
8.7

Set or mark the limits of an area like a project

goes further to state exact meaning and general identity not only limits
4.1

To make a clear line between two areas or kinds of activity

is used more generally to state exact meaning or scope

How Precise

to pin down
20 3.5
to specify
118 3.5
to define
878 1.0
to explain
1.0
to describe
1.0
to mention
1.0

Surface Forms

define infinitive
defined past
defined past participle
defining present participle
defines third person singular

Etymology

Define comes from a Latin root finis meaning 'end' and the verb finire 'to finish', with the prefix de- meaning 'completely'. So to define something is to put a clear limit around its meaning — to say exactly what it is.