Meaning & use
defines
States precisely what something means, or describes its essential nature or boundaries; third-person singular of define.
See it in a sentence
The syllabus defines exactly which chapters will appear on the final exam.
Honesty defines her character more than any other single trait.
A note on using this word
Defines is the present-tense, third-person form of define; use define for infinitive or imperative forms like 'define the term.'
Words with a similar meaning
explainsspecifiesdescribes
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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