def ‧ i ‧ ni ‧ tion S2 W2 AC /ˌdefəˈnɪʃ ə n, ˌdefɪˈnɪʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ define ; noun : ↑ definition ; adverb : ↑ definitely ≠ ↑ indefinitely ; adjective : ↑ definite ≠ ↑ indefinite ]
1 . [countable] a phrase or sentence that says exactly what a word, phrase, or idea means ⇨ define :
a dictionary definition
definition of
There are many definitions of the word ‘feminism’.
definition of something as something
the definition of God as infinite
2 . by definition if something has a particular quality by definition, it must have that quality because all things of that type have it:
People say that students are by definition idealistic and impatient.
3 . [uncountable] the clear edges, shapes, or sound that something has:
technologies such as high definition television
good muscle definition
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + definition
▪ clear/precise
The head teacher gave us a precise definition of the school’s aims.
▪ broad (=including a lot of general ideas)
This is a very broad definition of what poetry is.
▪ narrow (=including only a few ideas)
Some psychiatrists still use a very narrow definition of mental illness.
▪ the dictionary definition
Some doctors don’t accept the dictionary definition of euthanasia, and want to create different categories of assisted death.
▪ the legal definition of something
What is the legal definition of manslaughter?
■ verbs
▪ give a definition
Can you give me a definition of 'psychology'?
▪ extend/broaden/widen a definition (=make it include more ideas)
The new law has broadened the definition of terrorism.