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# define

verb (define, defines, defined, defining)

«define» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To say exactly what a word or idea means: «Can you define 'habitat'?» [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#m1)
2. To state or show clearly what something is, its limits or its nature: «The rules define who can enter». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#m2)
3. To make the edges or shape of something clear and sharp: «a well-defined outline». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#m3)
4. To be the most important feature of someone or something: «Kindness defines her». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#m4)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#x1)
- A triangle is defined as a shape with three straight sides. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#x2)
- The river defines the border between the two countries. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#x3)
- The photo was sharp, with every leaf clearly defined. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#x4)
- In the program, we define a function called «jump». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#x5)
- Her courage defines her. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#x6)
- Don't let one bad test define you. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/#x7)

### 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.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «define» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/define/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«define» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/define.html) on Mova free.