definition
dehf-ih-NIHSH-uhn
Definition (noun) means a statement explaining what a word or term means. Example: “The dictionary gives three definitions for the word "run.”
noun
1
A statement explaining what a word or term means.
"The dictionary gives three definitions for the word "run.""
"I looked up the definition of the word in a dictionary."
"Her definition of success has little to do with money."
2
Sharpness or clarity of an image, sound, or outline.
"The new TV offers stunning picture definition."
"The photo lost definition when it was enlarged."
"The old camera lacks definition, so distant faces look blurry."
How to use definition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the explanation of a word's meaning, or how sharp and clear something looks or sounds.
Common pairings
dictionary definition
high definition
lack definition
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Word forms
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The dictionary gives three _____ for the word "run."
Etymology
From Latin dēfīnītiō, from dēfīniō — the same root as "define."
Related words
Rhymes for definition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for definition →
Frequently asked questions
What does “definition” mean?
The word “definition” means a statement explaining what a word or term means. In plain terms, either the explanation of a word's meaning, or how sharp and clear something looks or sounds.
How do you pronounce “definition”?
“Definition” is pronounced dehf-ih-NIHSH-uhn (/ˌdɛf.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “definition” in a sentence?
Here is “definition” used in a sentence: “The dictionary gives three definitions for the word "run.".”
What is another word for “definition”?
Words with a similar meaning to “definition” include meaning.
What part of speech is “definition”?
“Definition” is a noun.
Where does the word “definition” come from?
The word “definition” comes from Latin. From Latin dēfīnītiō, from dēfīniō — the same root as "define.".
Is “definition” a common word?
“Definition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “definition” have?
“Definition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement explaining what a word or term means.
What is the difference between a definition and a meaning?
A meaning is the idea or concept that a word conveys — what it actually refers to. A definition is the explicit statement that puts that meaning into words, as a dictionary does. In short, meaning is the sense in your mind; a definition is the wording used to capture and explain it.
What makes a good definition?
A good definition is clear, concise, and accurate. It captures the essential features that distinguish the term, avoids circular wording that reuses the word itself, and is neither too broad nor too narrow. Ideally it uses simpler language than the term being defined, so the explanation is genuinely easier to understand.
What are the types of definition?
Common types include the dictionary, or lexical, definition that records ordinary usage; the stipulative definition that assigns a special meaning for a particular purpose; and the ostensive definition that explains a word by pointing to an example. Technical and legal fields also use precise definitions tailored to their context.
What are the other meanings of definition?
Outside language, definition means the sharpness and clarity of detail. A high-definition screen renders a crisp, detailed image, and a photograph with good definition shows fine detail clearly. In fitness, muscle definition describes how distinctly the muscles are visible. Each sense turns on how clearly something is delineated.
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