defines
Sets the meaning
Defines is the third-person singular of define.
To define something is to state its meaning or establish its boundaries: The dictionary defines "freedom" as the state of being free.
What defines a thing is what makes it what it is—its essential characteristics: Her curiosity defines her as a scientist.
To define is also to make clear or distinct: The mountains defined the horizon.
Edges or leaps
- limitsImposed maximum points
- circumscribesEncloses or limits narrowly
- delineatesDescribes or portrays precisely
- demarcatesSets apart by boundaries
outlines · borders · edges · frames · marks · contains · restricts · confines
Makes something understandable
- elucidatesMakes something understandable
- explicatesAnalyzes and interprets thoroughly
- illuminatesProvides light to
- demystifiesMakes understandable
interprets · clarifies · simplifies · deciphers · disambiguates · articulates · conveys · communicates
Settles or concludes
prescribes · dictates · stipulates · designates · ordains · decrees · institutes · formalizes
Describes distinguishing features
- distinguishesRecognizes as different
- marksVisible signs or grades
- identifiesEstablishes what something is
- typifiesRepresents a class perfectly
epitomizes · embodies · represents · symbolizes · signifies · reflects · expresses · captures
Specific pieces of information
- particularizesMakes individually distinct
- pinpointsLocates with exactness
- identifiesEstablishes what something is
- designatesFormally names or assigns
enumerates · itemizes · lists · names · indicates · describes · characterizes · qualifies
bounds
Edges or leaps
- limitsImposed maximum points
- circumscribesEncloses or limits narrowly
- delineatesDescribes or portrays precisely
demarcates · outlines · borders · edges · frames · marks · contains · restricts · confines · constrains
explains
Makes something understandable
- elucidatesMakes something understandable
- explicatesAnalyzes and interprets thoroughly
- illuminatesProvides light to
demystifies · interprets · clarifies · simplifies · deciphers · disambiguates · articulates · conveys · communicates · spells out
determines
Settles or concludes
settles · prescribes · dictates · stipulates · designates · ordains · decrees · institutes · formalizes · codifies
characterizes
Describes distinguishing features
- distinguishesRecognizes as different
- marksVisible signs or grades
- identifiesEstablishes what something is
typifies · epitomizes · embodies · represents · symbolizes · signifies · reflects · expresses · captures · encapsulates
details
Specific pieces of information
- particularizesMakes individually distinct
- pinpointsLocates with exactness
- identifiesEstablishes what something is
designates · enumerates · itemizes · lists · names · indicates · describes · characterizes · qualifies · distinguishes
definesobscures
Makes difficult to perceive
blurs · confuses · muddles · obfuscates · clouds
definesundermines
Weakens by stealth
destabilizes · unsettles · questions · challenges · problematizes
- definitely notEmphatic negative response
- 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
definite, definitely, define, definition, defined, definitive, defining, definable, definer