Chinese word

定义

Pronunciation

Pinyindìng yì

Meaning

  • verbdefine

Example

我们应该定义问题的范围。wǒ men yīng gāi dìng yì wèn tí de fàn wéi

We should define the scope of the problem.

Illustration for 定义 (define)

More examples

评估时要先定义评分标准。píng gū shí yào xiān dìng yì píng fēn biāo zhǔn

When evaluating, first define the scoring criteria.

Core concept

Turn a vague idea into a clearly bounded meaning that can be shared and discussed.

Common phrases

  • 定义标准dìng yì biāo zhǔn

    define criteria

  • 定义概念dìng yì gài niàn

    define a concept

  • 定义目标dìng yì mù biāo

    define goals

Similar words

解释jiě shì: Explain the meaning, cause, or details of something so it can be understood.
说明shuō míng: Describe facts, reasons, or methods in detail so they become clear.
界定jiè dìng: Set clear limits or boundaries for an area, idea, or issue.
下定义xià dìng yì: State the meaning and scope of a word or idea in a simple, direct way.

Definition in Chinese

通过说明或界定，使某个概念或问题的含义清晰可辨。tōng guò shuō míng huò jiè dìng shǐ mǒu gè gài niàn huò wèn tí de hán yì qīng xī kě biàn

Word origin

定义 (dìngyì, "define; definition") combines 定 (dìng, "fix") and 义 (yì, "meaning"), linking the word to a meaning that has been firmly established.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often connect this word with formal dictionary writing, but it also appears in ordinary discussions when people need to agree on the scope of an idea or problem.

Other meanings

  • definitionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 下定义xià dìng yìdefineverb
  • 重新定义chóng xīn dìng yìredefineverb

Word lists with this word