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.

Understanding the Context

to say what the meaning of something, especially a word, is: 2. to explain and describe the…. Learn more. DEFINE definition: to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.).

Key Insights

See examples of define used in a sentence. DEFINE meaning: 1. to say what the meaning of something, especially a word, is: 2. to explain and describe the…. Learn more.

Final Thoughts

From Middle English definen, from Old French definer, variant of definir, from Latin dēfīniō (“limit, settle, define”), from dē + fīniō (“set a limit, bound, end”). 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. The word "define" means to explain or clarify the meaning of something or to establish boundaries and parameters. It is a versatile word used in many contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal academic or professional settings. 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] He was asked to define his concept of cool. [VERB noun]