define
Explain a word
To define something is to state its meaning, boundaries, or essential nature.
You define a word by explaining what it means, define a problem by identifying its scope, define success by deciding what counts as achieving it.
The treaty defined the border between the two nations.
How do you define happiness?
Sharp edges or clear outlines define something visually: Mountains defined the horizon.
Well-defined means clearly delineated; ill-defined means vague or fuzzy.
To make understood
- clarifyMake something understandable
- expoundExplain at length
- illustrateExplain through depiction
- demonstrateShow or prove something
explicate · illuminate · spell out · break down · unpack · demystify · simplify · interpret
Describe with precision
- outlineSummary of key elements
- determineEstablish through investigation
- establishCreate formally, permanently
- setArrange in position
stipulate · prescribe · designate · demarcate · fix · delimit · circumscribe · bound
Describe distinctive qualities
- distinguishRecognize as distinct
- differentiateIdentify differences between things
- classifyArrange by shared traits
- categorizeAssign to distinct groups
describe · depict · portray · label · name · designate · typify · mark
Alphabetical word reference
- glossaryAlphabetical list with definitions
- lexiconVocabulary of a language
- terminologySubject-specific vocabulary
- semanticsStudy of linguistic meaning
meaning · denotation · connotation · etymology · thesaurus · entry · headword · sense
elucidate
To make understood
- clarifyMake something understandable
- expoundExplain at length
- illustrateExplain through depiction
demonstrate · explicate · illuminate · spell out · break down · unpack · demystify · simplify · interpret · construe
delineate
Describe with precision
- outlineSummary of key elements
- determineEstablish through investigation
- establishCreate formally, permanently
set · stipulate · prescribe · designate · demarcate · fix · delimit · circumscribe · bound · limit
characterize
Describe distinctive qualities
- distinguishRecognize as distinct
- differentiateIdentify differences between things
- classifyArrange by shared traits
categorize · describe · depict · portray · label · name · designate · typify · mark · denote
dictionary
Alphabetical word reference
- glossaryAlphabetical list with definitions
- lexiconVocabulary of a language
- terminologySubject-specific vocabulary
semantics · meaning · denotation · connotation · etymology · thesaurus · entry · headword · sense · usage
contour
Bounding line of shape
- outlineSummary of key elements
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
- profileSide-facing outline
form · edge · border · boundary · frame · sculpt · etch · trace · carve · mold
definemisunderstand
Grasp incorrectly
misconstrue · misinterpret · distort · twist · misrepresent
- high definitionSuperior visual resolution
- by definitionAs a matter of meaning
- defining momentCrucial event shaping outcome
- dictionary definitionA word's stated meaning
- definite maybeSelf-canceling tentative agreement
- muscle definitionVisible contour of physique
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