define

define
I
(New American Roget's College Thesaurus)
v. t. explain, interpret; prescribe; describe, circumscribe, limit, demarcate. See interpretation.
II
(Roget's IV) v.
1. [To set limits]
Syn. delimit, demarcate, fix, settle, bound, confine, limit, outline, circumscribe, mark, set, determine, distinguish, establish, compass, encompass, delineate, mark the limits of, determine the boundaries of, fix the limits of, curb, edge, border, enclose, set bounds to, fence in, rim, encircle, hedge in, wall in, envelop, girdle, gird, belt, flank, stake out; see also surround 1 , 2 .
Ant. confuse*, distort, mix*.
2. [To provide a name or description]
Syn. describe, explain, determine, specify, characterize, entitle, ascertain, name, label, designate, individualize, differentiate, formalize, elucidate, interpret, clarify, illustrate, give the meaning of, gloss, paraphrase, annotate, represent, render precise, individuate, find out, spell out, literalize, construe, denominate, denote, expound, translate, exemplify, assign, prescribe, style, dub; see also describe , explain , name 1 , 2 .
Ant. misunderstand*, misconstrue, obscure.
III
(Roget's 3 Superthesaurus) v.
explain, spell out, describe, outline, delineate, map out, detail, characterize, label, illustrate, construe.

English dictionary for students. 2013.

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Synonyms:
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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Define — De*fine , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Defined}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Defining}.] [OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. d[ e]finir to define, L. definire to limit, define; de + finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See {Final}, {Finish}.]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • define — UK US /dɪˈfaɪn/ verb [T] ► to say what the meaning of something, especially a word, is: »Economists normally define a recession as two successive quarters of negative growth. ► to explain and state the meaning and exact limits of something: »a… …   Financial and business terms

  • define — [dē fīn′, difīn′] vt. defined, defining [ME diffinen < OFr definer & ML diffinire, both < L definire, to limit, define < de , from + finire, to set a limit to, bound: see FINISH] 1. a) to determine or set down the boundaries of b) to… …   English World dictionary

  • define — [v1] give description ascertain, assign, call a spade a spade*, characterize, construe, decide, delineate, denominate, denote, describe, designate, detail, determine, dub, elucidate, entitle, etch, exemplify, explain, expound, formalize,… …   New thesaurus

  • Define — De*fine , v. i. To determine; to decide. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • define — I verb characterize, characterize precisely, circumscribere, clarify, construe, definire, delineate, denominate, depict the essential qualities of, describe, describe the properties of, designate, determine the essential qualities of, determine… …   Law dictionary

  • define — (v.) late 14c., to specify; to end, from O.Fr. defenir to end, terminate, determine, and directly from L. definire to limit, determine, explain, from de completely (see DE (Cf. de )) + finire to bound, limit, from finis boundary, end (see FINISH… …   Etymology dictionary

  • define — vb *prescribe, assign Analogous words: *limit, circumscribe: fix, *set, establish Contrasted words: *mix, merge, mingle: *mistake, confuse, confound …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • define — ► VERB 1) state or describe the exact nature or scope of. 2) give the meaning of (a word or phrase). 3) mark out the limits or outline of. DERIVATIVES definable adjective definer noun. ORIGIN Latin definire, from finire finish …   English terms dictionary

  • define — /dI faIn/ verb (T) 1 to describe something correctly and thoroughly: the ability to define clients needs | define sth clearly/precisely: The powers of the President are clearly defined in the Constitution. 2 to explain exactly the meaning of a… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • define — 01. For homework, please [define] the following expressions in your own words. 02. It can be quite difficult to clearly [define] abstract ideas such as love or friendship. 03. Moderate alcohol consumption is [defined] as no more than 2 drinks a… …   Grammatical examples in English

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