definition
A formal statement of the exact meaning of a word, concept, or technical term, often used to establish conceptual boundaries in academic discourse. It can also refer to the degree of clarity or distinctness in an image or outline.
Examples
3 of 5I looked up the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary to settle the argument.
I looked up the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary to settle the argument.
The statutory definition of 'negligence' must be strictly applied in this judicial review.
The statutory definition of 'negligence' must be strictly applied in this judicial review.
My definition of a perfect weekend involves absolutely zero alarms.
My definition of a perfect weekend involves absolutely zero alarms.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'de-finition' as 'de-finishing' the boundaries. The root 'finis' means 'end' or 'limit' (like 'final'), so a definition puts limits around a word's meaning so it doesn't spill into other words.
Quick Quiz
The ________ of success is highly subjective and varies from person to person.
Correct!
The correct answer is: definition
Examples
I looked up the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary to settle the argument.
everydayI looked up the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary to settle the argument.
The statutory definition of 'negligence' must be strictly applied in this judicial review.
formalThe statutory definition of 'negligence' must be strictly applied in this judicial review.
My definition of a perfect weekend involves absolutely zero alarms.
informalMy definition of a perfect weekend involves absolutely zero alarms.
In this thesis, we adopt a narrow definition of 'sustainability' that focuses exclusively on ecological preservation.
academicIn this thesis, we adopt a narrow definition of 'sustainability' that focuses exclusively on ecological preservation.
The project failed because there was a lack of definition regarding individual responsibilities and goals.
businessThe project failed because there was a lack of definition regarding individual responsibilities and goals.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
by definition
by the very nature of the word or thing
defy definition
to be impossible to describe or categorize
beyond definition
impossible to define
Often Confused With
A definition gives the exact essence of what something is; a description provides details about what something looks like or its characteristics.
Meaning is the general idea or message intended; a definition is the formal linguistic expression of that meaning.
Usage Notes
In academic contexts, it is common to provide a 'working definition' early in a paper to ensure the reader understands how a specific term is being utilized within that particular study. The word can also describe visual clarity, such as the 'definition' of muscles in a bodybuilder.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'definition' when they mean 'definite' (an adjective), or they use it to describe a person's opinion when 'perspective' or 'view' might be more appropriate.
Memory Tip
Think of 'de-finition' as 'de-finishing' the boundaries. The root 'finis' means 'end' or 'limit' (like 'final'), so a definition puts limits around a word's meaning so it doesn't spill into other words.
Word Origin
From Latin 'definitio', meaning a bounding or limiting, derived from 'definire' (to limit or end).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western analytic philosophy and legal traditions, the process of 'defining terms' is considered the essential first step of any logical argument or contract.
Quick Quiz
The ________ of success is highly subjective and varies from person to person.
Correct!
The correct answer is: definition
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
at
A1A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.
but
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.
his
A1This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.
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