define
To determine with precisionTo determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
» Some words are hard to define.
Manche Worte sind schwer zu definieren.
Некоторые слова сложны для определения.
Некоторым словам трудно дать определение.
Meaning
7 sensesTo determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
the defining power of an optical instrument
bestimmen
определя́тьopredeljátʹ, определи́тьopredelítʹ
визнача́тиvyznačáty, ви́значитиvýznačyty
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
determine the nature of
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
definieren
опи́сыватьopísyvatʹ, описа́тьopisátʹ
визнача́тиvyznačáty, ви́значитиvýznačyty
give a definition for the meaning of a word
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.
definieren
опи́сыватьopísyvatʹ, описа́тьopisátʹ
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
to define the legal boundaries of a property
обознача́тьoboznačátʹ, обозна́читьoboznáčitʹ
To establish the referent of a term or notation.
(obsolete)To settle, decide (an argument etc.).
Examples
187 sentencesSome words are hard to define.
ruНекоторые слова сложны для определения.
deManche Worte sind schwer zu definieren.
It's a difficult term to define.
How do you define right and wrong?
ruКак ты определяешь, что правильно и неправильно?
How do you define joy, and what brings you joy?
ruКак ты определяешь радость, и что тебе её доставляет?
How do you define happiness, and what brings you happiness?
ruКак ты определяешь счастье, и что его тебе доставляет?
Translations
9 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 3
By meaning 2
Origin
From Middle English definen, from Old French definer, variant of definir, from Latin dēfīnFrom Middle English definen, from Old French definer, variant of definir, from Latin dēfīniō (“limit, settle, define”), from dē + fīniō (“set a limit, bound, end”).
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
defines, defining, defined, definedSynonyms
8 synonymsWord family
27 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle