DEFINED

Definition of DEFINED

DEFINED Adjective and Verb

Defined can function both as an adjective and the past tense of the verb define. As an adjective, it describes something that has been clearly and precisely described, identified, or set with distinct boundaries. As the past tense of the verb, defined refers to the action of describing or establishing the meaning, nature, or limits of something in the past.

DEFINED as an adjective

As an adjective, defined describes something that has clear boundaries, features, or characteristics. For example, “The boundaries of the property are clearly defined,” or “The artist’s style is well-defined by bold colors and abstract shapes.” In these cases, defined suggests that the subject has been made clear or distinct, leaving no ambiguity or confusion.

Well-Established or Recognized: Defined can also refer to something that has been formally recognized or established. For example, “The roles of each team member are defined,” or “The policy is defined by clear regulations.” Here, defined indicates that the subject has been formally articulated or recognized, often in a structured or official manner.

Having Specific Boundaries or Limits: When used as an adjective, defined often implies something that has specific boundaries or limits, as opposed to being vague or uncertain. For example, “The project’s scope is well-defined,” or “The rules of the competition are defined in the guidelines.” In these instances, defined highlights that the subject has clear limitations, which contribute to understanding and expectation.

DEFINED as a verb

As the past tense of the verb define, defined refers to the action of establishing the meaning, scope, or limits of something in the past. For example, “The scientist defined the terms for the experiment,” or “The constitution defined the powers of government.” In these contexts, defined emphasizes that something was clearly explained, identified, or set in the past.

Defined in Legal or Official Contexts: In legal, regulatory, or formal contexts, defined often refers to terms or concepts that have been officially clarified or established. For example, “The contract defined the responsibilities of both parties,” or “The law has defined the criteria for eligibility.” Here, defined indicates that clear, formal guidelines or rules were established in the past to ensure precise understanding and compliance.

Defined in Scientific or Technical Contexts: In scientific or technical fields, defined refers to the formal specification of terms, conditions, or concepts in a precise and standardized manner. For example, “The function defined in the equation represents the relationship between two variables,” or “The experiment defined the conditions under which the reaction occurs.” In these contexts, defined refers to the exact parameters that have been clearly stated to ensure clarity in research or analysis.

Defined as a Characteristic or Feature: Defined can also describe a distinct feature or characteristic that has been identified or described in the past. For example, “Her defined features made her stand out in the crowd,” or “The defined lines of the sculpture add to its visual impact.” In these instances, defined refers to the clear or prominent traits that make something easily recognizable or distinguishable.

In conclusion, defined is both an adjective and the past tense of the verb define. As an adjective, it describes something that is clear, precise, or has specific boundaries. As the past tense of define, it refers to the act of setting the meaning, limits, or characteristics of something in the past. Whether used to describe the clarity of boundaries, features, or actions, defined indicates that something has been clearly established or recognized, providing certainty and structure.

Examples of DEFINED in a sentence

DEFINED as an adjective in a sentence

• The project has a defined timeline that must be followed.
• She worked within a defined set of guidelines to complete the task.
• The roles in the team are clearly defined to avoid confusion.
• The territory has defined borders recognized by neighboring countries.
• We need a defined plan before moving forward with the proposal.
• His responsibilities are defined in the employee contract.
• The study focused on a defined group of participants.
• The problem became clearer once the objectives were defined.

DEFINED as a verb in a sentence

• The teacher defined the term clearly during the lecture.
• Scientists defined the new species after extensive research.
• The contract defined the obligations of both parties.
• She defined her priorities before starting the project.
• The rules were defined to ensure fair play in the game.
• Experts defined the boundaries of the protected area.
• The manual defined each step of the installation process.
• He defined success differently than his colleagues.

Origin of DEFINED

The term defined has a clear etymological background and semantic development closely tied to its root verb define, emphasizing clarity, precision, and boundaries.

Semantic Context: Defined is the past participle and adjective form of the verb define, meaning something that has been clearly described, explained, or limited. It indicates that a concept, object, or boundary is distinctly and precisely established or articulated.

• Etymological Roots: Defined originates from the Latin definire (“to set bounds, limit, or determine”), formed by de- (“completely”) and finire (“to limit, end”), derived from finis (“boundary” or “end”). As the past participle of define, defined carries the sense of something that has been “bounded” or “made clear.”
• Historical Development: Entering English along with define in the late Middle Ages, defined came to describe things that were distinctly marked out or explained. Its usage expanded from legal and scholarly contexts to broader applications in science, philosophy, and everyday language where clarity and explicit boundaries were necessary.
• Cultural and Scientific Applications: In mathematics and science, defined refers to terms or functions with precise meanings or limits (e.g., a “defined domain” in mathematics). In language and communication, it describes concepts or terms that have been clearly explained or delineated. In law and policy, defined conditions or rules provide clarity and enforceability.
• Current Usage: Today, defined is commonly used as an adjective to indicate that something is clearly and explicitly stated or limited. It appears in technical, academic, and casual contexts to emphasize clarity, specificity, or established boundaries.

The word defined maintains the original Latin idea of “setting limits” and has evolved to represent clarity, precision, and explicitness in description or boundaries across various fields.