1. a statement of the exact meaning of a word or phrase
對一個詞或詞組確切含義的陳述
The dictionary provides a clear definition of the word.
這本字典提供了這個詞的清晰定義。
Can you give me the definition of 'sustainability'?
你能告訴我「永續性」的定義嗎？
Definition Meaning（定義、用法、例句與發音）
definition
noun
快速理解
What does "Definition" mean?What are 2-3 core uses of "Definition"?
「definition」主要指對詞語或概念的解釋，也指事物清晰的輪廓或特質。
- 1
詞語解釋
EN: a statement of the exact meaning of a word or phrase
翻譯: 對一個詞語或片語確切含義的陳述
- 2
概念界定
EN: a description of the essential nature or scope of something
翻譯: 對某事物本質或範圍的描述
- 3
清晰度
EN: the degree of clarity or sharpness, especially of an image or sound
翻譯: 清晰或銳利的程度，尤指影像或聲音
- 4
特質界定
EN: the action of making something clear, distinct, or precise
翻譯: 使某事物變得清晰、明確或精確的行為
小提醒：注意「definition」在談論影像、螢幕或概念時，常指「清晰度」或「明確性」，而不僅是「定義」。
發音（How to Pronounce "Definition" in English）
How to pronounce "Definition" in English?"Definition" US vs UK pronunciation
點擊下方的 US / UK 按鈕可播放發音。
Real-life Examples of "Definition" from YouTube Videos
Should You Move Your Company to Silicon Valley? - Eric Migicovsky, Pebble Founder
Y Combinator
“if you decide to proceed down this path of staying outside of Silicon Valley, I would highly recommend spending time in the Bay Area to build a network, especially if you're planning to proceed down the kind of YC startup- the Westies definition of what a start-up is.”
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Definitions（定義）
What are the definitions of "Definition"?How does "Definition" change by context?
2. the degree of distinctness or clarity of an image, sound, or outline
圖像、聲音或輪廓的清晰度
The high-definition television shows every detail of the picture.
這台高畫質電視能顯示圖像的每一個細節。
The camera lens offers excellent definition even in low light.
這款相機鏡頭即使在低光環境下也能提供出色的清晰度。
3. the action or process of defining something
定義某事物的行為或過程
The definition of the project's scope took several meetings.
定義專案的範圍花了幾次會議。
Legal definition of terms is crucial in a contract.
在法律合約中，對術語的定義至關重要。
4. the distinctness of outline or detail in a person's character or in an artistic composition
人物性格或藝術作品中輪廓或細節的鮮明性
The novel's characters lack definition and feel flat.
這本小說的人物缺乏鮮明性，感覺很扁平。
The sculptor's work is known for its strong definition of form.
這位雕塑家的作品以其強烈的形態輪廓而聞名。
Grammar & Patterns（句型）
What are common sentence patterns for "Definition"?How to make natural sentences with "Definition"?
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| definition + of + noun | ...的定義 | The definition of "integrity" is widely respected. (「正直」的定義廣受推崇。) |
| by definition | 根據定義；本質上 | A square is, by definition, a four-sided figure with equal sides. (正方形，根據定義，就是一個四邊等長的四邊形。) |
| fit the definition of + noun | 符合...的定義 | His actions fit the definition of heroism. (他的行為符合英雄主義的定義。) |
| a clear/broad/strict definition | 一個清晰/寬泛/嚴格的定義 | The law requires a strict definition of the term "employee." (這項法律要求對「員工」一詞有嚴格的定義。) |
| beyond definition | 難以定義；無法形容 | Her beauty was beyond definition. (她的美難以言喻。) |
用法說明
How is "Definition" different from similar structures?What usage mistakes are common with "Definition"?
by definition vs by its very definition
- by definition 是一個固定片語，意思是「根據定義」、「從定義上來說」，用於指出某事物因其本質或定義而必然具有某種特性。
- by its very definition 是 by definition 的強調形式，加入了 very 來加強語氣，強調「正是根據其定義本身」，凸顯其必然性或不可否認性。兩者在語意上非常接近，後者語氣更強。
- 在正式寫作中，兩者皆可使用，但 by definition 更為常見。口語中則通常使用 by definition。 EN: A square is, by definition, a four-sided figure with equal sides and right angles. 翻譯: 正方形，根據定義，就是一個四邊等長且具直角的圖形。
EN:Perfection is, by its very definition, an unattainable goal.
翻譯:完美，正是根據其定義本身，就是一個無法達成的目標。
總結建議
在大多數情況下使用 by definition 即可，若想特別強調定義本身的絕對性，則可使用 by its very definition。
易混淆對比
What is the difference between "Definition" and similar words?How to choose "Definition" vs alternatives?
definition vs meaning
「definition」指字典或官方對詞彙的精確定義，強調清晰、權威的解釋；「meaning」則泛指詞彙、符號或行為所傳達的意義或意圖，範圍更廣。
definition vs explanation
「definition」是對詞彙本身含義的簡明陳述；「explanation」則是對某事物（如過程、原因、概念）進行詳細說明，使其易於理解。
definition vs description
「definition」界定事物的本質與類別；「description」則描繪事物的外觀、特徵或細節，不涉及本質界定。
口語用法
How is "Definition" used in spoken English?What is the spoken vs formal difference for "Definition"?
引述
在對話中，當你引述或轉述他人對某個詞的解釋時，常用 "definition"。 EN: So, his definition of success is just being happy. 翻譯: 所以，他對成功的定義就只是感到快樂。
EN:What's your definition of a good friend?
翻譯:你對好朋友的定義是什麼？
語氣強調
用來強調某事物是某個概念的典型例子或完美體現。 EN: That party was the definition of fun! 翻譯: 那場派對簡直就是「好玩」的代名詞！
EN:Her patience is the definition of kindness.
翻譯:她的耐心就是善良的最佳寫照。
停頓填充
在思考如何解釋或定義某事物時，用作填充詞，常與 "like" 或 "I mean" 連用。 EN: It's, like, the definition of a modern classic. 翻譯: 這東西，怎麼說呢，就是現代經典的定義。
EN:He's not rude, I mean, by my definition, he's just direct.
翻譯:他不算無禮，我的意思是，根據我的定義，他只是比較直接。
正式寫作注意：在學術或正式文件中，應避免將 "definition" 用於上述口語中的強調或填充用法，以保持語言的嚴謹性。請使用更精確的術語，如 "epitome"、"quintessence" 或 "standard" 來表達「典型代表」的概念。
常見短語
What common collocations use "Definition"?What fixed phrases with "Definition" should I remember?
broad definition
adjective + definition
廣泛的定義
narrow definition
adjective + definition
狹義的定義
by definition
prepositional phrase
根據定義；從本質上來說
working definition
adjective + definition
暫行定義；工作定義
strict definition
adjective + definition
嚴格的定義
fall within the definition of
verb phrase
符合...的定義
expand the definition of
verb phrase
擴展...的定義
meet the definition of
verb phrase
符合...的定義
常見錯誤
What are common mistakes with "Definition"?Which "Definition" sentences look correct but are wrong?
×The definition of this word is means 'a large building'.
✓The definition of this word is 'a large building'.
在給出定義時，使用 'is' 即可，不需要再加 'means'。'means' 本身是動詞，與 'is' 重複。
×Can you give me a definition about 'democracy'?
✓Can you give me a definition of 'democracy'?
表示「...的定義」時，正確的介系詞是 'of'，而不是 'about'。'about' 用於較廣泛的討論或資訊。
×This term has many definitions.
✓This term has many definitions. / This term can be defined in many ways.
原句文法正確，但語意上可能造成混淆。'definition' 指一個詞條的具體定義內容，一個詞通常只有一個主要定義，但可能有多種解釋或含義。若想表達有多種解釋方式，使用 'can be defined in many ways' 更精確。此錯誤在於概念混淆，而非文法。
×By definition, he is a very kind person.
✓By definition, a square has four equal sides.
'by definition' 用於陳述某事物根據其定義必然為真的特性，通常用於邏輯、數學或嚴格分類的情況，不適用於描述主觀或個人的特質。
×I need to look up its definition on the dictionary.
✓I need to look up its definition in the dictionary.
查閱字典時，應使用介系詞 'in'，表示在字典的內容裡查找，而不是 'on'。'on' 通常用於在網站或頁面上查找。
×The definition for success is different for everyone.
✓The definition of success is different for everyone.
雖然 'definition for' 在某些非正式語境中可能出現，但在標準英語中，表示「...的定義」最常用且正確的搭配是 'definition of'。
詞形變化
What are the word forms of "Definition"?What are tense/participle forms of "Definition"?