define
part of speech
verb (define, defines, defined, defining)
meaning for a pupil
1) To say exactly what a word or idea means: «Can you define 'habitat'?» tree →
2) To state or show clearly what something is, its limits or its nature: «The rules define who can enter». tree →
3) To make the edges or shape of something clear and sharp: «a well-defined outline». tree →
4) To be the most important feature of someone or something: «Kindness defines her». tree →
sense in the lessons
In every subject, teachers ask pupils to «define» key words (define a prime number, define photosynthesis), and a glossary or dictionary gives definitions. In maths, we define shapes by their properties (a square is defined as a shape with four equal sides and four right angles). In computing, programmers «define» functions and variables. In PSHE: «Don't let one mistake define you». Phrases: «define a word», «clearly defined», «well-defined», «define yourself».
examples
- Can you define the word «evaporate»? tree →
- A triangle is defined as a shape with three straight sides. tree →
- The river defines the border between the two countries. tree →
- The photo was sharp, with every leaf clearly defined. tree →
- In the program, we define a function called «jump». tree →
- Her courage defines her. tree →
- Don't let one bad test define you. tree →
note
Noun: «definition». Adjective: «definite» (sure, fixed) and «definitive» (final, most complete) — easy to mix up. A good definition does not use the word itself inside it. In maths, definitions are exact; in everyday talk words can be looser.
In the corpora
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «define» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.