The meaning of DEFINE is to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of. How to use define in a sentence.

DEFINE definition: 1. to say what the meaning of something, especially a word, is: 2. to explain and describe the…. Learn more.

The meaning of DEFINITION is a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol. How to use definition in a sentence.

Synonyms for DEFINE: trace, outline, delineate, sketch, surround, circle, trim, bound, round, silhouette

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So when you're thinking about the word define, remember that you're looking to create a boundary of meaning around it, whether you're specifying the meaning of a word or a larger concept. To define a word such as astronomy is to define both the word and the realm of science that it's concerned with.

If you define something, you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what its limits are, or what it is like. We were unable to define what exactly was wrong with him. [ VERB wh ]