English verb: define | |||
1. | define (stative) determine the essential quality of | ||
Synonyms | delimit, delimitate, delineate, specify | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | be | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | determine, redefine | ||
2. | define (communication) give a definition for the meaning of a word | ||
Samples | Define `sadness'. | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something. Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | define, determine, fix, limit, set, specify | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | redefine | ||
3. | define (stative) determine the nature of | ||
Samples | What defines a good wine?. | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s somebody. Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | characterise, characterize | ||
4. | define (stative) show the form or outline of | ||
Samples | The tree was clearly defined by the light. The camera could define the smallest object. | ||
Synonyms | delineate | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | show | ||
5. | define (communication) decide upon or fix definitely | ||
Samples | Fix the variables. Specify the parameters. | ||
Synonyms | determine, fix, limit, set, specify | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | choose, pick out, select, take | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | define, name, quantify, reset | ||