Define Definition
dĭ-fīn
defined, defines, defining
verb
defined, defines, defining
To determine or set down the boundaries of.
Webster's New World
To determine or state the extent and nature of; describe exactly.
Define your duties.
Webster's New World
To trace the precise outlines of; delineate.
Webster's New World
To prepare definitions, as of words.
Webster's New World
To state the meaning or meanings of (as a word)
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- dub
- style
- exemplify
- denominate
- literalize
- spell out
- individuate
- render precise
- represent
- annotate
- paraphrase
- gloss
- give the meaning of
- elucidate
- denote
Origin of Define
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Middle English definen, diffinen from Old French definir, diffiner from Latin dēfīnīre to limit, determine dē- intensive pref. de– fīnis boundary, limit
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
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”)
From Wiktionary
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