Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Define

//dɪˈfaɪn// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.

    "From the computer programming perspective, Java looks like C and C++ while discarding the overwhelming complexities of those languages, such as typedefs, defines, preprocessor, unions, pointers, and multiple inheritance."

Verb
  1. 1
    To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.

    "the defining power of an optical instrument"

  2. 2
    decide upon or fix definitely wordnet
  3. 3
    To settle, decide (an argument etc.) obsolete

    "These warlike Champions, all in armour shine, / Assembled were in field the chalenge to define."

  4. 4
    give a definition for the meaning of a word wordnet
  5. 5
    To express the essential nature of something.

    "I define myself as a techno-anarchist."

Show 7 more definitions
  1. 6
    determine the essential quality of wordnet
  2. 7
    To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.

    "The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time."

  3. 8
    determine the nature of wordnet
  4. 9
    To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.

    "Person 1: Is she good at math? Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no."

  5. 10
    show the form or outline of wordnet
  6. 11
    To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.

    "to define the legal boundaries of a property"

  7. 12
    To establish the referent of a term or notation.

Etymology

Etymology 1

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”).

Etymology 2

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”).

See also for "define"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: define