define

Meaning

Verb

1. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
2. (obsolete) To settle, decide (an argument etc.)
3. To express the essential nature of something.
4. To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
5. 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.
6. To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
7. To establish the referent of a term or notation.

Noun

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

Synonyms

determine

specify

set

explain

fix

describe

limit

clarify

delineate

delimit

characterize

designate

establish

appoint

clear up

stipulate

interpret

assign

distinguish

make clear

prescribe

pin down

qualify

expound

definition

delimitate

demarcate

decide

characterise

make fast

map

map out

mark off

nail down

narrow

narrow down

particularize

peg down

plan

portray

positive

quantify

read

📖

refine

resolve

restrict

rinse

secure

select

settle

Translations

definire

definir

définir

definieren

déterminer

definiëren

bepalen

definir

determinare

bestimmen

fixer

determinar

delimitar

préciser

προσδιορίζω

Pronounced as (IPA)

/dɪˈfaɪn/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: definen

In summary

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”).