definition - Master This Word

definition Word Meanings

• a statement explaining the meaning of a word
• the exact meaning of something
• a clear description of the nature or scope of something

definition Example Sentences

Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.

• A dictionary gives the definition of a word.
• The teacher asked for the definition of the term.
• Can you write a definition for this idea?
• The definition is important for understanding.
• I forgot the definition of that word.

definition Word Etymology

Root: de- (down, from) + finire (to finish, limit) | Origin: Latin -> Old French -> English | Memory image: Imagine putting the finishing touches on a painting, defining its final form.

English Brain Route

I pick up a pencil and move it along the page, guiding thoughts as if tuning a radio. The idea shifts as I point to a word and press gently, watching how the sense settles when I focus on what matters. I adjust my grip, keep the pace steady, and let the thing I’m naming feel clear through use, not by rules. When I try it in a real sentence, meaning arrives through practice, not explanation.

Real Context

Definition is a precise statement that explains the meaning of a word or term. In dictionaries, a definition also marks the word’s scope, boundaries, and core features, helping readers distinguish it from related terms. Good definitions avoid circularity and ambiguity, and they often specify how a word is used in different contexts, or what it does not mean. For learners, clear definitions support accurate paraphrase and careful study, rather than relying on memory alone. The term has Latin roots (de- down + finire to finish) and entered English via Old French, reflecting a long history of setting limits and explaining forms.

Usage Reminders

• 1. Use the phrase 'definition of X' after a noun.
• 2. Distinguish definition from meaning.
• 3. Paraphrase the definition in your own words.
• 4. Look for boundary words like 'only', 'includes', 'not'.
• 5. Check example sentences to see context.
• 6. Practice with synonyms and antonyms.

Common Misconceptions

• A definition is the same as the meaning
• Definitions always include an example
• Definitions must be very short
• You can define something by listing its synonyms
• Etymology explains the definition

Thinking Differences

In English, a definition is a formal label that often uses binary boundaries (this/that) and follows predictable patterns like 'definition of X'. Learners often think it is interchangeable with 'meaning' and forget to note scope.

Learning Tips

• Learn the pattern 'definition of X' and use it with nouns
• Differentiate definition from meaning
• Paraphrase definitions in your own words
• Identify boundary words like 'only', 'includes', 'not'
• Check examples to confirm usage in context
• Compare definitions with synonyms and antonyms

5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English

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