Definition Meaning
Definition Definition & Usage
The precise meaning of a word, phrase, or concept.
Examples
- "The definition of 'happiness' can vary greatly depending on the individual."
- "The teacher asked the students to memorize the definitions of ten new vocabulary words."
- "His definition of success was about personal fulfillment, not just financial gain."
- "Could you clarify the definition of this technical term for me? It's a bit unclear."
- "In the dictionary, the definition of 'innovation' includes ideas that lead to breakthroughs in technology."
A statement that describes the essential qualities or characteristics of something.
Examples
- "The definition of a good leader includes traits such as honesty, empathy, and vision."
- "The scientific definition of life is constantly evolving as new discoveries are made."
- "Her definition of love was shaped by years of personal experience and reflection."
- "In the context of the law, the definition of 'negligence' is very specific and has been defined by courts over time."
- "The definition of 'family' might look different depending on cultural and personal beliefs."
Cultural Context
The concept of 'definition' has been central in various fields of study, including philosophy, linguistics, law, and even art. It allows for clarity, precision, and shared understanding. Over time, the act of defining has evolved with human thought, shaping everything from the way languages are structured to how legal systems operate.
The Many Faces of Definition
Story
The Many Faces of Definition
Lena had always been fascinated by the concept of definitions. She worked as a linguist, where the act of defining words was an essential part of her daily routine. However, she often found herself questioning the very nature of a definition. One day, she was invited to give a lecture at a philosophy seminar. As she stood in front of the packed auditorium, she began with a simple question: 'What is the definition of happiness?' The crowd went silent, and then murmurs began to ripple through the room. Some believed happiness was a state of being, others thought it was a fleeting emotion, and a few argued it was nothing more than a social construct. This discussion made Lena think about the different layers of definitions. While linguistically, the word 'happiness' might have a straightforward meaning—'a state of well-being'—its deeper, more subjective definition was something else entirely. She smiled and asked, 'What is the definition of love?' The answers were even more varied. Later that evening, Lena had a conversation with a friend, Mark, a lawyer. They discussed how the legal profession relied heavily on precise definitions. 'In law,' Mark explained, 'a single definition can determine the outcome of a case. Definitions of terms like 'self-defense' or 'contract' are often debated in court. The stakes are high, and clarity is essential.' As Lena thought more about it, she realized that definitions weren't just about language. They shaped how people understood the world around them and how they communicated. Whether it was a dictionary, a courtroom, or a philosophical conversation, the search for a definition was, in itself, a search for truth. And truth, she mused, was often more elusive than any dictionary could capture. The next day, Lena reflected on the many faces of definitions she had encountered. From the linguistic precision of her academic work to the ethical dilemmas in law, she saw how definitions had the power to guide and limit, to reveal and obscure. It was clear to her that the definition of a word was not always as simple as it seemed. Sometimes, it was a window to a deeper understanding of the world, one that could shift and evolve with time. As the week passed, Lena gave more lectures, each one exploring a different facet of definition. She concluded with one final thought: 'In the end, a definition is not just about what something is, but about how we choose to see it.'