defining Meaning & Definition
What Does Defining Mean?
Defining is used as a verb meaning to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of. It is also used to mean to discover and set forth the meaning of (something, such as a word).
Word Facts for Defining
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /di-ˈfīn/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | shaping, delineating and outlining |
Defining Definition (Verb)
- to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of
whatever defines us as human
- to discover and set forth the meaning of (something, such as a word)
how the dictionary defines "grotesque"
- to create with established rules or parameters
define a window / define a procedure
- to fix or mark the limits of : demarcate
rigidly defined property lines
- to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline
the issues aren't too well defined / eyes defined by mascara
- characterize, distinguish
You define yourself by the choices you make. / the moment that defined the campaign
- to make a definition see definition
Synonyms of Defining
Antonyms of Defining
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Defining in a Sentence
The ability to reproduce is a defining characteristic of living organisms.
whatever defines us as human
how the dictionary defines "grotesque"
define a window
define a procedure
rigidly defined property lines
the issues aren't too well defined
eyes defined by mascara
You define yourself by the choices you make.
the moment that defined the campaign
the glass skyscraper's sleek silhouette was strikingly defined by the setting sun to its west
the river defines the town on the south
a woman who is defined by her unswerving loyalty to her friends
let me define the task so that there is no doubt in your minds about what needs to be done
define a window / define a procedure
the issues aren't too well defined / eyes defined by mascara
You define yourself by the choices you make. / the moment that defined the campaign
Word Forms & Grammar
de·fined
de·fin·ing
de·fine·ment noun
de·fin·er noun
define
defined
definement
definements
definer
definers
defines
defining
defining (comparative more defining, superlative most defining)
Words That Rhyme With Defining
Origin of Defining
Middle English diffinen, defynen, borrowed from Anglo-French definer, diffiner, borrowed (with conjugation change) from Medieval Latin dēfīnīre, diffīnīre (dif- by association with dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis-), going back to Latin dēfīnīre "to mark the limits of, determine, give an exact description of," from dē- de- + fīnīre "to mark out the boundaries of, limit" finish:1
First Known Use
14th centuryt
Pronouncing Defining
Defining is pronounced /di-ˈfīn/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (fīn).