define
define — verb
1. To state the intended sense of a specific word, phrase, or symbol in a clear and
To state the intended sense of a specific word, phrase, or symbol in a clear and exact way.
The dictionary defines 'photosynthesis' as the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.
define + noun + as + complement
Gabriel struggled to define 'empathy' when his little sister asked him what it meant.
Sirin asked the dictionary app to define 'hypothesis' for her science homework.
Defining abstract words like 'happiness' in simple language is harder than it looks.
Ezra checked several different dictionaries, but each one defined the term slightly differently.
文法句型
define + noun + as + noun/phrase
define + wh-clause
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'as' when providing the specific wording of a definition. The subject is typically a dictionary, textbook, or a person explaining a word's meaning. For setting the scope of roles or rules, use sense 2 (DELIMIT).
常見錯誤
2. To set the precise nature, scope, or boundaries of something, such as a rule, ro
To set the precise nature, scope, or boundaries of something, such as a rule, role, or duty, so that it is clearly understood.
The contract clearly defines each partner's duties and how profits are shared.
define + duties / responsibilities
Aylin's role as project manager was defined in detail by the employee handbook.
passive: be defined + by + [document]
Andrew and Naoko spent hours defining the scope of their joint research project.
The university's policy defines what counts as academic misconduct and its consequences.
In this experiment, the first step is to define the variables being measured.
文法句型
define + noun (role, scope, boundary)
be defined + by/as/in
用法筆記
Common in formal and academic contexts such as contracts, policy documents, and scientific research. Frequently passive: 'be defined + by/as/in'. Distinguish from sense 1 (STATE MEANING): here the object is a role, scope, or boundary rather than a word being given a dictionary sense.
常見錯誤
3. To make the outline or physical form of something clearly visible, especially be
To make the outline or physical form of something clearly visible, especially because it stands out against a different background or surface.
The mountain peaks were sharply defined against the orange sunset sky.
passive: be defined against [background]
Arjun could see the cathedral's outline clearly defined through the cold morning fog.
Vinícius used a charcoal stick to define the model's jawline on the drawing paper.
Under the bright stage lights, Kemi's high cheekbones were sharply defined against her dark hair.
- outline
more direct and common in everyday visual descriptions
- silhouette
verb form; specific to dark shapes seen against a lighter background
文法句型
be defined + against/in
define + noun (outline, shape, feature)
用法筆記
Common in visual descriptions and art. Frequently used with 'against' or 'in' to indicate the background that makes the outline stand out. Often passive, particularly with 'sharply' or 'clearly'. Distinguish from sense 2 (DELIMIT): here the object is a physical outline visible to the eye, not an abstract boundary.