Word · Frequency #1053
defined
定义
defined is the past of define.
give a definition for the meaning of a word
- 1.
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
精确确定；清晰地标出；明确显示。
- 2.
To express the essential nature of something.
表达某物的本质。
- 3.
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
说明词、短语、符号或标志的含义。
- 4.
To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.
描述、解释或使明确；用于请求对方更清楚地说明其用词或表达的含义。
- 5.
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
清晰界定区域或概念的范围或界限。
- 6.
To establish the referent of a term or notation.
建立术语或符号的指代对象。
规定；使明确；精确确定；清晰地标出；明确显示。；表达某物的本质。；说明词、短语、符号或标志的含义。
In use
Can you define the term 'photosynthesis' for the class?
The contract clearly defines each party's responsibilities.
She defined her goals before starting the project.
define + noun
Can you define this term?
你能定义这个术语吗？
define + noun + as + noun
The treaty defined the border as the river.
条约将边界定义为这条河。
be defined + as + noun/adjective
被动语态表示被定义。
Success is often defined as wealth.
成功常被定义为财富。
Connections
Collocations
- define a term
- 定义术语
- It is important to define the key terms before starting the discussion.在开始讨论之前，先定义关键术语很重要。
- define a concept
- 定义概念
- The textbook clearly defines the concept of gravity.教科书清晰地定义了重力概念。
- define boundaries
- 规定界限
- The contract defines the boundaries of the property.合同规定了财产的界限。
- define a role
- 规定角色
- The job description defines the role of the manager.工作描述规定了经理的角色。
- clearly define
- 明确地定义
- You need to clearly define your objectives before starting.开始之前，你需要明确地定义你的目标。
- define the problem
Learner notes
Memory Tip
联想'de'（得）+'fine'（好），定义就是把事物说得清清楚楚、明明白白，达到'好'的标准。
Context & Register
通常用于学术或正式语境，表示对概念或术语进行明确界定；在日常对话中也可使用，但不如正式场合常见。
Pronunciation & Spelling
Words ending in '-ine' pronounced /aɪn/ rhyme with 'define'. However, be careful: words like 'determine', 'engine', 'medicine' end in '-ine' but are pronounced differently.
High-value vocabulary
该词属于 Oxford 核心词汇，值得优先掌握常见搭配和句型。
Usage priority
Collins 词频等级为 3，建议结合例句记忆，而不是只背中文释义。
Learn the forms together
页面下方列出了常见词形变化。学习时注意它们在句子中的语法位置。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, WIKTIONARY.