definitions
B2Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The precise statements of the meaning of a word, phrase, or concept.
The act or process of defining; the clarity or distinctness of an image or sound; the essential nature of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a plural noun referring to multiple statements of meaning. Can also refer to the quality of being clearly defined in non-linguistic contexts (e.g., high-definition video).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor differences may appear in example sentences using region-specific vocabulary.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Slightly more formal than 'meanings'.
Frequency
Equally common in both academic and general contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
provide definitions foragree on definitions ofchallenge the definitions ofmeet the definitions offit the definitions ofVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “By definition (necessarily)”
- “A matter of definition (dependent on how something is defined)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contracts and specifications to establish precise criteria (e.g., 'The definitions of key terms are found in Clause 1').
Academic
Fundamental in research papers and theses to operationalize concepts (e.g., 'The study adopted the standard definitions from prior literature').
Everyday
Used when discussing word meanings or clarifying concepts in conversation (e.g., 'Let's look up the definitions').
Technical
Crucial in law, science, and engineering to ensure unambiguous communication (e.g., 'The technical definitions are listed in the appendix').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee defines the parameters.
- The law clearly defines the offence.
American English
- The manual defines the safety procedures.
- The contract defines the responsibilities of each party.
adverb
British English
- The concept is definably different.
- The edges are not definably clear.
American English
- The terms were definedly set forth.
- The group was definably separate.
adjective
British English
- A definable concept.
- The poorly defined terms caused confusion.
American English
- A clearly defined goal.
- The rules are well defined.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dictionary has definitions for many words.
- The teacher wrote the definitions on the board.
- We need to check the definitions of these scientific terms.
- Different cultures sometimes have different definitions of friendship.
- The legal definitions in the contract are very precise and leave no room for ambiguity.
- Philosophers have debated the definitions of 'justice' for centuries.
- The study's validity hinges on the operational definitions adopted for its key variables.
- The treaty's success was undermined by the signatories' divergent definitions of key concepts like 'aggression'.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'de-finite-ion' – making something finite or limited in meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEFINITIONS ARE BOUNDARIES (they set limits on what a word can mean).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'определения' for non-linguistic clarity (e.g., 'high definition' is not 'высокое определение').
- Do not confuse with 'дефиниции', a direct loanword used in very formal or philosophical contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'definitions' as a singular noun (incorrect: 'a definitions'; correct: 'a definition').
- Misspelling as 'definations'.
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'meanings' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'definitions' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'definition' is countable. You can have one definition or multiple definitions for a word.
A 'definition' is a formal statement explaining the meaning. 'Meaning' is the concept or idea conveyed. A word has meaning; a dictionary provides definitions to explain that meaning.
Yes, in contexts like photography or television, 'definition' (often 'high definition') refers to the clarity and sharpness of an image.
The verb is 'to define'. It means to state the precise meaning of a word or to describe the essential qualities of something.