Define — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈfīn/ de·fine

Meaning & Definition of Define

Define (verb)

  1. to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of
  2. to discover and set forth the meaning of (something, such as a word)
  3. to create with established rules or parameters

Word Forms of Define

Inflections: defined, defining

Derived words: definement (noun), definer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Define

Middle English diffinen, defynen, borrowed from Anglo-French definer, diffiner, borrowed (with conjugation change) from Medieval Latin dēfīnīre, diffīnīre (dif- by association with dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis-), going back to Latin dēfīnīre "to mark the limits of, determine, give an exact description of," from dē- de- + fīnīre "to mark out the boundaries of, limit" finish:1

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Define

Words & Phrases Containing Define

broadly/loosely define, narrowly define, predefined

Frequently Asked Questions about Define

What does "Define" mean?

"Define" means to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of. As a verb, it is defined as: to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of. It has 3 distinct senses.

Is "Define" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Define" is a verb.

Is "Define" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Define" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Define"?

"Define" is pronounced /di-ˈfīn/ and divided into syllables as de·fine.

What is the origin of the word "Define"?

"Define" comes from Middle English diffinen, defynen, borrowed from Anglo-French definer, diffiner, borrowed (with conjugation change) from Medieval Latin dēfīnīre, diffīnīre (dif- by association with dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis-), going back to Latin dēfīnīre "to mark the limits of, determine, give an exact description of," from dē- de- + fīnīre "to mark out the boundaries of, limit" finish:1. First known use: 14th centuryt.

What CEFR level is "Define"?

"Define" is a B1-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

What topics is "Define" used in?

"Define" is commonly used in topics such as Common Actions / Verbs.

What are the forms of "Define"?

The word forms of "Define" include defined and defining.