What Does “The Definition Of” Mean?
The phrase “the definition of” is commonly used to introduce or emphasize a precise explanation of a word, concept, or idea. It signals that what follows is the authoritative or most accurate meaning.
In everyday speech, people often say things like “That’s the definition of courage” to highlight a perfect example of a trait or behavior.
Linguistic Origins
The word definition comes from the Latin definitio, meaning “a setting of bounds” or “limitation.” It derives from definire (“to limit, determine”), combining de- (completely) and finire (“to finish, bound”).
Over time, “definition” evolved to mean not just boundaries, but the clear statement of the meaning of a word or concept.
Why Definitions Matter
- Prevent misunderstandings in communication
- Enable logical reasoning and critical thinking
- Support learning new languages and concepts
- Form the foundation of dictionaries, law, science, and philosophy
Common Usage Examples
“Her calm under pressure is the definition of professionalism.”
“In mathematics, a prime number is defined as a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.”
“Look up ‘resilience’—that’s the definition of what she showed during the crisis.”
Fun Fact
Some words are so complex that their full definitions span multiple paragraphs. For instance, the Oxford English Dictionary entry for “set” includes over 430 senses!