Defining: meaning, definitions and examples

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defining

 

[dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

action, description

Defining refers to the act of stating the exact meaning of a word or phrase, or establishing the essential qualities of something. It is often used in contexts such as language, philosophy, or science to clarify concepts and ideas.

Synonyms

clarifying, describing, explaining, specifying.

Examples of usage

  • Defining terms is crucial in legal documents.
  • The professor spent considerable time defining key concepts.
  • She is defining her role in the project.
  • Defining the project scope is the first step.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'definire,' which means 'to limit or set bounds.'
  • It evolved from Middle French 'définir,' which also means to set a boundary or description.

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, defining concepts is crucial for understanding arguments and ideas.
  • Different branches of philosophy focus on different ways to define reality, such as materialism and idealism.

Psychology

  • Defining one’s identity can be a significant part of personal development and self-understanding.
  • Psychologists often encourage individuals to define their values and goals for better mental health.

Education

  • In education, clear definitions help students understand new topics and ideas effectively.
  • Teachers often use definitions to create a foundation for learning complex subjects.

Literature

  • In writing, an effective defining moment can create strong character development or plot twists.
  • Literary works often explore themes of identity and transformation, which require clear definitions of characters' roles.

Translations

Translations of the word "defining" in other languages:

🇵🇹 definindo

🇮🇳 परिभाषित करना

🇩🇪 definieren

🇮🇩 mendefinisikan

🇺🇦 визначення

🇵🇱 definiowanie

🇯🇵 定義する

🇫🇷 définir

🇪🇸 definir

🇹🇷 tanımlamak

🇰🇷 정의하다

🇸🇦 تعريف

🇨🇿 definovat

🇸🇰 definovať

🇨🇳 定义

🇸🇮 opredeliti

🇮🇸 skilgreina

🇰🇿 анықтау

🇬🇪 განსაზღვრა

🇦🇿 tərif etmək

🇲🇽 definir

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,477, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.