Definition of DEFINITION
DEFINITION Noun
Definition serves as a noun, denoting a statement that explains the meaning of a word, term, or concept. It provides clarity and understanding by articulating the essential characteristics or qualities that distinguish the subject from others.
As a noun, a definition is a formal statement that describes the meaning of a word, term, or concept. It serves to clarify the understanding of the subject by providing essential attributes, characteristics, or criteria that differentiate it from other similar entities or ideas.
Clarity and Understanding: The primary purpose of a definition is to convey meaning and promote clarity and understanding. By articulating the essential features or qualities of a word or concept, a definition helps individuals grasp its meaning and use it accurately in communication and discourse.
Lexicography and Linguistics: In lexicography and linguistics, definitions play a crucial role in compiling dictionaries, glossaries, and linguistic resources that document the meanings and usage of words and terms in various languages. Lexicographers analyze usage patterns and semantic nuances to craft precise and informative definitions that reflect the richness and complexity of language.
Conceptual Precision: A well-crafted definition aims for conceptual precision by capturing the core essence or meaning of the subject in clear and concise language. It may employ various strategies, such as providing examples, synonyms, antonyms, or contextual explanations, to enhance comprehension and accuracy.
Subjectivity and Context: It’s essential to recognize that definitions may vary in their interpretation and application due to subjective perspectives and contextual factors. Different individuals or disciplines may offer distinct definitions of the same word or concept based on their unique perspectives, experiences, or disciplinary frameworks.
Evolution and Adaptation: Definitions are not static but evolve and adapt over time in response to changes in language, culture, and knowledge. New words emerge, existing meanings shift, and concepts evolve, necessitating updates and revisions to definitions to reflect current usage and understanding.
In conclusion, a definition as a noun provides a formal statement that explains the meaning of a word, term, or concept. It fosters clarity, understanding, and communication by articulating the essential characteristics or qualities that distinguish the subject from others. While definitions aim for conceptual precision, they may vary in interpretation and evolve over time to reflect changes in language, culture, and knowledge, highlighting the dynamic nature of meaning and communication.
Examples of DEFINITION in a sentence
- The dictionary provides the definition of unfamiliar words.
- The legal team debated the definition of the term “reasonable doubt” during the trial.
- In mathematics, a circle is commonly defined as the set of all points equidistant from a central point.
- The scientist proposed a new definition for the term “species” based on genetic similarity.
- The textbook includes a clear definition of the concept of photosynthesis.
- His definition of success was achieving personal fulfillment rather than acquiring wealth.
- The philosopher’s definition of happiness sparked a lively debate among scholars.
- Understanding the definition of a problem is the first step toward finding a solution.
Origin of DEFINITION
The term “definition” originates from the Latin word “definitio,” which comes from the verb “definire,” meaning “to limit” or “to determine.” Here’s the breakdown:
- Definire (Latin): Referring to “to limit” or “to determine.”
- Definitio (Latin): Noun form of “definitio,” indicating the act of limiting or determining.
- Definition (Modern English): Borrowed from Latin, retaining the sense of specifying the meaning or nature of something by stating its essential qualities or boundaries.
Therefore, “definition” originally described the act of limiting or determining, and it now primarily refers to the statement of the meaning or nature of something by specifying its essential qualities or boundaries.
Synonyms
- Explanation
- Interpretation
- Description
- Clarification
- Elucidation
- Explanation
- Interpretation
- Specification
Antonyms
- Ambiguity
- Obscurity
- Vagueness
- Confusion
- Uncertainty
- Misinterpretation
- Misunderstanding
- Indistinctness
Related
- Definitionary
- Definitional
- Exegesis
- Delineation
- Explanation
- Precision
- Distinction
- Interpretative
🌐 🇬🇧 DEFINITION in other languages
Spanish 🇪🇸 | Definición |
French 🇫🇷 | Définition |
German 🇩🇪 | Definition |
Chinese (simpl) 🇨🇳 | 定义 |
Chinese (trad) 🇨🇳 | 定義 |
Italian 🇮🇹 | Definizione |
Portuguese 🇵🇹 | Definição |
Dutch 🇳🇱 | Definitie |
Swedish 🇸🇪 | Definition |
Norwegian 🇳🇴 | Definisjon |
Finnish 🇫🇮 | Määritelmä |
Romanian 🇷🇴 | Definiție |
Polish 🇵🇱 | Definicja |
Hungarian 🇭🇺 | Meghatározás |
Czech 🇨🇿 | Definice |
Bulgarian 🇧🇬 | Определение |
Ukrainian 🇺🇦 | Визначення |
Russian 🇷🇺 | Определение |
Turkish 🇹🇷 | Tanım |
Azerbaijani 🇦🇿 | Tərif |
Armenian 🇦🇲 | Սահմանում |
Arabic 🇸🇦 | تعريف |
Hebrew 🇮🇱 | הַגדָרָה |
Urdu 🇵🇰 | تعریف |
Farsi/Persian 🇮🇷 | تعریف |
Hindi 🇮🇳 | परिभाषा |
Bengaleli/se 🇧🇩 | সংজ্ঞা |
Marathi 🇮🇳 | व्याख्या |
Telugu 🇮🇳 | నిర్వచనం |
Tamil 🇮🇳 | வரையறை |
Gujarati 🇮🇳 | વ્યાખ્યા |
Kannada 🇮🇳 | ವ್ಯಾಖ್ಯಾನ |
Odia (Orya) 🇮🇳 | ସଂଜ୍ଞା |
Malayalam 🇮🇳 | നിർവ്വചനം |
Punjabi 🇮🇳 | ਪਰਿਭਾਸ਼ਾ |
Sinhala/ese 🇱🇰 | අර්ථ දැක්වීම |
Nepali 🇳🇵 | परिभाषा |
Burmese 🇲🇲 | အဓိပ္ပါယ် |
Thai 🇹🇭 | คำนิยาม |
Vietnamese 🇻🇳 | Sự định nghĩa |
Malay 🇲🇾 | Definisi |
Indonesian 🇮🇩 | Definisi |
Tagalog 🇵🇭 | Kahulugan |
Japanese 🇯🇵 | 意味 |
Korean 🇰🇷 | 정의 |
Oromo 🇪🇹 | Hiika |
Somali 🇸🇴 | Qeexid |
Amharic 🇪🇹 | ፍቺ |
Swahili 🇹🇿 | Ufafanuzi |
Yoruba 🇳🇬 | Itumọ |
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