define
define — 動詞
1. To state the intended sense of a specific word, phrase, or symbol in a clear and
定義
說明單字或詞語的意義
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.
這本字典將「光合作用」定義為植物將陽光轉化為能量的過程。
define + noun + as + complement
Gabriel struggled to define 'empathy' when his little sister asked him what it meant.
Gabriel 的妹妹問他什麼是「同理心」時，他很難說清楚這個詞的意思。
Sirin asked the dictionary app to define 'hypothesis' for her science homework.
Sirin 請字典應用程式為她的自然作業定義「假說」這個詞。
Defining abstract words like 'happiness' in simple language is harder than it looks.
用簡單的語言定義「幸福」這類抽象詞彙，比看起來要難得多。
Ezra checked several different dictionaries, but each one defined the term slightly differently.
Ezra 查了好幾本不同的字典，但每一本對這個詞的定義都略有不同。
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
界定
明確說明範圍、角色或性質
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.
合約清楚界定了每位合夥人的職責以及利潤分配方式。
define + duties / responsibilities
Aylin's role as project manager was defined in detail by the employee handbook.
Aylin 的專案經理角色在員工手冊中被詳細界定。
passive: be defined + by + [document]
Andrew and Naoko spent hours defining the scope of their joint research project.
Andrew 和 Naoko 花了好幾個小時界定他們合作研究計畫的範疇。
The university's policy defines what counts as academic misconduct and its consequences.
大學的政策明確界定了哪些行為屬於學術不端及其後果。
In this experiment, the first step is to define the variables being measured.
在這項實驗中，第一步是界定所要測量的變項。
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
勾勒
使邊緣或形狀清晰浮現
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.
山頂在橘色夕陽的映照下，輪廓被清晰地勾勒出來。
passive: be defined against [background]
Arjun could see the cathedral's outline clearly defined through the cold morning fog.
清晨的冷霧中，Arjun 看到大教堂的輪廓被清晰地勾勒出來。
Vinícius used a charcoal stick to define the model's jawline on the drawing paper.
Vinícius 用炭筆在圖紙上勾勒出模特兒的下頷線條。
Under the bright stage lights, Kemi's high cheekbones were sharply defined against her dark hair.
在明亮的舞台燈光下，Kemi 高聳的顴骨在她深色頭髮的襯托下顯得格外分明。
- 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.