1. Explanation of a word or concept: This is the most common use of the word. A definition explains the meaning of something, often in a concise and precise way. For example:
* Definition of "happy": Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.
* Definition of "democracy": A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
2. Act of defining: This refers to the process of explaining or clarifying the meaning of something. For example:
* The scientist defined the new species based on its unique characteristics.
* The teacher asked the students to define the term "metaphor."
3. Boundaries or limits: This is a less common use of the word, but it can refer to the boundaries or limits of something. For example:
* The definition of the project was unclear, so the team struggled to stay on track.
* The definition of success is different for everyone.
4. Sharpness or clarity: In some cases, "definition" can refer to the sharpness or clarity of something, especially an image. For example:
* The photograph had excellent definition, showing every detail of the subject.
* The speaker's voice lacked definition, making it hard to understand what they were saying.
It's important to pay attention to the context in which you encounter the word "definition" to determine its specific meaning.