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 — /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… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
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
