“Define”最基本的含义是“给……下定义、界定、解释”。它常用来明确某个词、概念或范围的含义。例如,在学术写作中,我们常说“define a term”(定义术语)。此外,它还可以引申为“确定……的边界或界限”,比如“define one’s role”(明确角色)或“define the scope”(划定范围)。
从语法结构看,“define”是及物动词,后面必须跟宾语。常见结构包括:
- define + 名词:define success(定义成功)
- define + 名词 + as + 名词/形容词:define beauty as harmony(把美定义为和谐)
- define + 疑问词从句:define what freedom means(界定自由的含义)
被动语态也很常用:be defined as / by。例如,This concept is defined by experts.(这个概念由专家定义。)
**二、常见搭配与短语**
1. define ... as ...:将……定义为……
- They define health as a state of complete well-being.
2. define oneself:界定自己,明确自己的身份或立场
- The artist defines himself through his unique style.
3. clearly define:清晰地定义
- It is important to clearly define the objectives.
4. define the boundary/limit:划定边界/限制
- The agreement defines the boundary between the two countries.
5. define a role/function:明确角色/功能
- The new policy defines the role of each department.
**三、经典例句深度解析**
1. The dictionary defines “love” as a strong feeling of deep affection.
解析:这是最典型的用法——用字典或权威机构来定义某个词。句中“as”引出对“love”的具体解释。在写作中,当我们需要解释一个抽象概念时,完全可以模仿此句式。
2. Each individual has the right to define their own success.
解析:此句强调“个人的自主定义权”。动词不定式“to define”作定语修饰“right”。这里“define”不是字典式的定义,而是个人主观的理解,体现词汇的灵活性。
3. The new laws define the responsibilities of the company more clearly.
解析:此处“define”意为“明确规定、界定”。注意比较级“more clearly”修饰动词,说明法律使责任更明晰。在商务英语或法律英语中,“define”常与“responsibilities”“rights”“duties”连用。
4. We need to define what is meant by “sustainable development.”
解析:此句使用了“define + 疑问词从句”结构,即“define what...”。这种结构在学术讨论中非常常见,用于明确模糊概念。句中的“what is meant by...”本身也是常用短语,意为“……是什么意思”。
5. It is difficult to define the exact moment when the friendship began.
解析:这里“define”引申为“精确指出、确定”。不再是下定义,而是指“找到某个精确的时间点”。这种用法能够有效扩展词汇的应用场景。
**四、易混淆词汇辨析**
- define vs. describe:describe侧重“描述、描绘”,不要求给出严格界限;define则强调“界定、下定义”。例如,Describe the picture.(描述图片。)Define the term “democracy.”(定义“民主”一词。)
- define vs. explain:explain更偏向“解释原因或过程”,define则聚焦于“说明含义或范围”。例如,Explain why this happened.(解释为什么发生。)Define the scope of the project.(界定项目范围。)
- define vs. specify:specify意为“具体说明、详述”,比define更强调细节。例如,Please specify your requirements.(请具体说明你的要求。)而define更侧重“整体定义”。
**五、模拟试题与解析**
**1. 单项选择**
The constitution ______ the powers of the three branches of government.
A. defines
B. describes
C. explains
D. specifies