German word

definieren

Pronunciation

IPA/deːfiˈniːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbdefine

Example

Die Studie definierte den Begriff neu.

The study redefined the concept.

Illustration for definieren (define)

More examples

Wie würdest du 'Erfolg' definieren?

How would you define 'success'?

Core concept

A rule or concept fixed with an exact outline that determines how it is understood or applied.

Common phrases

  • etwas genau definieren

    define something precisely

  • einen Begriff definieren

    define a concept

  • klare Grenzen definieren

    define clear boundaries

Similar words

erklären: To make information or reasons clear enough for others to understand.
präzisieren: To make wording or scope more precise and avoid misunderstanding.
beschreiben: To put features such as shape, color, or qualities into words.
bestimmen: To determine a property or value through measurement or judgment.

Definition in German

Etwas genau und eindeutig beschreiben oder festlegen, damit klar ist, was gemeint ist.

Word origin

Definieren developed from Latin definire, whose central sense was to mark out or determine a boundary.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive phrase sich durch etwas definieren means to be characterized by something and has a different structure from defining a term.

Other meanings

  • specifyverb

Related words

Word lists with this word