define

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain the meaning of a word or term, or to explain how something works or is done. For example, "The definition of a spaceship is a vehicle that is capable of traveling in outer space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Lifestyle

Politics

Opinion

Sport

Tech

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It made an arthouse star of Soderbergh and a heavyweight of his backer, Harvey Weinstein, whose studio, Miramax, would come to define quality American cinema over much of the next decade and, perhaps, help to destroy it too (read Indiewire's excellent piece on sex, lies for more on its legacy).

The Guardian - Film

For cities shadows present both a technical challenge – one that can be modelled in 3D and measured in "theoretical annual sunlight hours" lost – and an ethereal one, changing the feeling of space and the value of property in ways that are hard to define.

The Guardian

Historical amnesia is certainly liberating – so liberating that America is once again diving into free fall, unmoored by any critical or intellectual insight into its own myths, or even into the histories of the debates that we think define our moment.

The Guardian - Books

She delivers certain lines with relish – when she tells her would-be suitor Gabriel Oak: "I hate to be thought men's property" and, when faced with another, William Boldwood, she murmurs pointedly: "It is difficult for a woman to define her feelings in language which is chiefly made by men to express theirs".

The Guardian - Film

- Julia Bayne, co-founder of istanbul!place In our values-led business hub, we plan to explore the values that can define a business, as well as the structures, business models, tools, strategies, processes and performance metrics that can help and hinder businesses in creating and acting upon their values.

The Guardian

She is fascinated by the intimacy and frailty of human relations, and tries not to categorise or define those experiences.

The Guardian - Film

Both define politics not as the art of the possible but as a moral crusade in which compromise is a cosy euphemism for lack of principle.

The Guardian

The physical and mental state of politicians was a keenly-debated issue at Hay this weekend, as alienation continues to define the political discourse.

The Guardian - Opinion

At stake – according to Israeli analysts – are a handful of seats that many believe could define the outcome of an election too close to call.

The Guardian

But, slowly, his struggle against rules and mindless power grew to define him.

The Guardian

"There's often a tendency to define a strategy with a large amount of money to it and then go and try and find out how you're actually going to spend that money.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define", ensure you provide sufficient context so the meaning is clear. For instance, instead of simply saying 'Define the problem', specify 'Define the problem in terms of its impact on users'.

Common error

Avoid defining terms too broadly. For example, instead of defining 'success' as 'achieving goals', specify 'Success in this context is defined as achieving a 20% increase in sales within the next quarter'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "define" is as a verb. It's used to specify the meaning of a word, concept, or situation, as demonstrated in various examples provided by Ludwig. These examples also illustrate its use in determining or establishing something clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Politics

8%

Sport

7%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "define" is a versatile term used to clarify, specify, or determine the meaning or nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across various registers. From News & Media to academic writing, "define" helps establish clarity and precision. Common errors include overly broad definitions, which can be avoided by providing sufficient context. Alternative phrases such as "clarify" or "specify" can be used to add nuance. With its frequent usage and authoritative backing, understanding how to effectively use "define" is crucial for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify

This alternative focuses on making something easier to understand.

specify

This alternative emphasizes stating something explicitly and in detail.

determine

This alternative highlights the act of finding something out definitively.

describe

This alternative involves giving an account of something in words.

explain

This alternative centers on making something clear and understandable.

interpret

This alternative focuses on explaining the meaning of something.

elucidate

This alternative suggests making something clearer or easier to understand.

demarcate

This alternative emphasizes setting boundaries or limits.

characterize

This alternative involves describing the distinctive features of something.

identify

This alternative focuses on recognizing or establishing what something is.

FAQs

How can I use "define" in a sentence?

You can use "define" to explain the meaning of a word or concept, as in "Let's "define" the term 'artificial intelligence'." It can also mean to clearly show or determine something, like "The election results will "define" the country's future".

What are some alternatives to using "define"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "clarify", "specify", "describe", or "explain" to convey similar meanings. The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to express.

Is it better to "define" or "describe" a concept?

The choice between "define" and "describe" depends on your purpose. "Define" is used to give a precise meaning or explanation, while "describe" provides a detailed account or representation. Use "define" when precision is crucial, and "describe" when offering a more comprehensive overview.

How does the context influence the meaning of "define"?

The context greatly influences the meaning of "define". In a legal setting, it might mean establishing legal boundaries. In science, it could refer to classifying a species. Understanding the context ensures you interpret the intended meaning accurately.