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define

Syllabification: (de·fine)

Pronunciation: /diˈfīn/

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Definition of define

verb

[with object]

1state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of:the contract will seek to define the client’s obligations
give the meaning of (a word or phrase), especially in a dictionary.
make up or establish the character of:for some, the football team defines their identity

2mark out the boundary or limits of: (as adjective defined)clearly defined boundaries
make clear the outline of; delineate:she defined her eyes by applying eyeshadow

Derivatives

definer

Origin:

late Middle English (also in the sense 'bring to an end'): from Old French definer, from a variant of Latin definire, from de- (expressing completion) + finire 'finish' (from finis 'end')

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Definition of define in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

define

verb

Derivatives

definer

Origin:

define in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

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