Definition – Meaning, Types, Uses, Synonyms, Examples & More

Learn the meaning of “Definition,” its pronunciation, types, uses, synonyms, antonyms, grammar rules, and examples. Get a clear explanation of definitions in simple English.

Definition: Meaning, Uses, Types, and Examples

Definition

A definition is a statement that explains the meaning of a word, phrase, or concept. It helps people understand what something is by describing its nature, purpose, or function.

Pronunciation

• Phonetic Spelling: /ˌdɛf.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/
• Pronounced as: DEF-uh-NISH-uhn

Meanings of Definition

1. A clear explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase.
2. The quality of being clear and easy to understand.
3. In technology, the level of detail in an image or sound.
4. A statement that provides the precise limits or boundaries of something.
5. The process of defining or explaining a term in a specific context.

Synonyms

• Explanation
• Interpretation
• Description
• Clarification
• Meaning
• Elucidation
• Explication
• Specification

Antonyms

• Ambiguity
• Vagueness
• Confusion
• Misinterpretation
• Uncertainty
• Obscurity

Grammar Rules

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Plural Form: Definitions
• Usage: Used in sentences to explain meanings, ideas, or characteristics.
• Adjective Form: Definitional (e.g., “A definitional approach to understanding words.”)
• Verb Form: Define (e.g., “Can you define this term?”)

Types of Definitions

1. Lexical Definition – The standard meaning found in dictionaries.
   • Example: “The definition of ‘apple’ is a round fruit with red or green skin.”
2. Stipulative Definition – A newly assigned meaning in a specific context.
   • Example: “In our study, ‘smart farming’ means the use of AI in agriculture.”
3. Precising Definition – A definition used to reduce vagueness in technical or legal terms.
   • Example: “Legally, ‘minor’ refers to a person under the age of 18.”
4. Theoretical Definition – A scientific or philosophical explanation.
   • Example: “Gravity is defined as the force that attracts objects toward each other.”
5. Operational Definition – A meaning based on measurable procedures.
   • Example: “Speed is defined as the distance traveled per unit of time.”
6. Persuasive Definition – A definition intended to influence opinions.
   • Example: “Democracy is defined as the best form of government by those who support it.”
7. Extensional Definition – Specifies meaning by listing examples.
   • Example: “A fruit includes apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes.”
8. Intensional Definition – Specifies necessary and sufficient conditions for the term.
   • Example: “A triangle is a closed three-sided polygon.”

Uses of Definitions

• In Communication: Helps avoid confusion and misinterpretation.
• In Education: Enhances learning by providing clear explanations.
• In Law & Science: Ensures precision in legal and scientific terms.
• In Technology: Defines clarity levels in images, videos, and sounds.
• In Philosophy: Helps establish fundamental concepts and theories.
• In Mathematics: Provides strict logical meanings to symbols and terms.

Examples in Sentences

1. “Can you give me a clear definition of this term?”
2. “The definition of success varies from person to person.”
3. “High-definition images provide better quality and detail.”
4. “A good dictionary provides accurate definitions of thousands of words.”
5. “Without a clear definition, the contract terms can be misinterpreted.”
6. “His speech lacked definition, making it difficult to understand.”

Common Mistakes in Understanding Definitions

1. Confusing definitions with examples – Example: Saying “a dog is a golden retriever” instead of “a dog is a domesticated animal.”
2. Using circular definitions – Example: Defining “happiness” as “the state of being happy.”
3. Assuming definitions are fixed – Words can have multiple meanings depending on context.
4. Ignoring context – A word might mean something different in law, medicine, or daily speech.

Here is the meaning and definition of “Definition” in different languages:

Mandarin Chinese (中文)

• Meaning: 定义 (dìng yì)
• Definition: 定义是用清晰的语言解释某个词、概念或事物的含义，以便于理解。

Arabic (العربية)

• Meaning: تعريف (taʿrīf)
• Definition: التعريف هو شرح واضح لمعنى كلمة أو مفهوم أو شيء ما، لتسهيل فهمه.

Hindi (हिन्दी)

• Meaning: परिभाषा (paribhasha)
• Definition: परिभाषा किसी शब्द, विचार, या वस्तु के अर्थ को स्पष्ट रूप से समझाने का एक तरीका है।

Spanish (Español)

• Meaning: Definición
• Definition: Una definición es una explicación clara del significado de una palabra, concepto o cosa para facilitar su comprensión.

Portuguese (Português)

• Meaning: Definição
• Definition: Uma definição é uma explicação clara do significado de uma palavra, conceito ou objeto para facilitar a compreensão.

Bengali (বাংলা)

• Meaning: সংজ্ঞা (sôngjñā)
• Definition: সংজ্ঞা হল কোনো শব্দ, ধারণা বা বস্তুর অর্থ স্পষ্টভাবে ব্যাখ্যা করার প্রক্রিয়া, যাতে এটি সহজে বোঝা যায়।

Russian (Русский)

• Meaning: Определение (opredelenie)
• Definition: Определение — это чёткое объяснение значения слова, понятия или объекта для облегчения понимания.

Japanese (日本語)

• Meaning: 定義 (ていぎ, teigi)
• Definition: 定義とは、言葉や概念、物事の意味を明確に説明することです。

French (Français)

• Meaning: Définition
• Definition: Une définition est une explication claire du sens d’un mot, d’un concept ou d’un objet afin de faciliter sa compréhension.

Odia (ଓଡ଼ିଆ)

• Meaning: ସନ୍ଦେଶା (sandēśā) / ପରିଭାଷା (paribhāṣā)
• Definition: ପରିଭାଷା ହେଉଛି କୌଣସି ଶବ୍ଦ, ଧାରଣା, କିମ୍ବା ଜିନିଷର ଅର୍ଥକୁ ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ଭାବରେ ବୁଝାଇବା ଏବଂ ସମ୍ଯୋଜିତ କରିବାର ପ୍ରକ୍ରିୟା।

Conclusion

A definition is an important tool in communication, learning, and understanding various subjects. Knowing different types of definitions and their uses helps improve clarity and precision in both written and spoken language. Accurate definitions support better knowledge transfer, education, and effective communication across different fields.

FAQ:

1. What is the meaning of “Definition”?

A definition is a statement that explains the meaning of a word, phrase, or concept, helping to clarify its use and understanding.

2. What are the different types of definitions?

Common types of definitions include lexical, stipulative, precising, theoretical, operational, persuasive, extensional, and intensional definitions.

3. What is an example of a definition?

An example of a lexical definition: “An apple is a round fruit with red or green skin.”

4. Why are definitions important?

Definitions help in communication, education, law, science, and technology by providing clear explanations and preventing misunderstandings.

5. How is “Definition” pronounced?

It is pronounced as DEF-uh-NISH-uhn with the phonetic spelling /ˌdɛf.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/.