Explain vs. Define — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 21, 2023
"Explain" means to make something clear or understandable, while "Define" means to state the exact meaning of a word or concept.
Difference Between Explain and Define
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Explain" often requires elaboration on a subject, offering details, examples, or reasons to clarify understanding. On the other hand, "Define" is about providing a concise, clear, and direct meaning or description, often limited to a word or phrase. Both are ways to clarify, but the methods differ.
When one asks you to "Explain" a concept, they are often looking for a breakdown or an in-depth understanding. In contrast, if someone asks you to "Define" a term, they want the core essence, its fundamental meaning. Both aim to inform, yet the depth and breadth of information differ.
Consider a challenging topic in science. If a student asks a teacher to "Explain" it, the teacher might provide examples, analogies, and step-by-step breakdowns. If the student asks the teacher to "Define" a specific term from that topic, the teacher will state its precise meaning.
In literature, if an author chooses to "Explain" a character's background, they may delve into a backstory, motivations, and relationships. But if they were to "Define" that character's role, they might just state it concisely, like "the antagonist" or "the hero."
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To make clear through details.
To state the exact meaning.
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Depth
In-depth, can be extensive.
Concise, to the point.
Examples Included?
Often includes examples.
Rarely includes examples.
Usage in Sentence
"Can you explain the process?"
"Can you define the term?"
Type of Information
Broad, comprehensive.
Specific, fundamental.
Compare with Definitions
Explain
To make clear or understandable.
She tried to explain the complex math problem to her peers.
Define
To describe the nature or basic qualities of something.
The constitution defines the rights of the citizens.
Explain
To interpret or translate something.
The interpreter explained the speaker's words to the audience.
Define
To specify distinctly.
The contract clearly defines the responsibilities of each party.
Explain
To offer reasons for actions or behaviors.
He explained why he arrived late to the meeting.
Define
To establish the limits or boundaries of something.
The river defines the border between the two countries.
Explain
Make (an idea or situation) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts
He explained the situation
‘It's a device of great age,’ the professor explained
They explained that their lives centred on the religious rituals
Define
State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of
The contract will seek to define the client's obligations
Explain
To make plain or comprehensible.
Define
Mark out the boundary or limits of
The river defines the park's boundary
Explain
To define; expound
We explained our plan to the committee.
Define
To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
Explain
To offer reasons for or a cause of; justify
Explain an error.
Define
To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain
Define the properties of a new drug.
A study that defines people according to their median incomes.
Explain
To offer reasons for the actions, beliefs, or remarks of (oneself).
Define
To make clear the outline or form of; delineate
Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
Explain
To make something plain or comprehensible
Let me explain.
Define
To specify distinctly
Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
Explain
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
She is about to explain a chapter of the Bible to the Sunday School students.
She tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen.
Define
To give form or meaning to
"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
Explain
To give a valid excuse for past behavior.
Define
To make or write a definition.
Explain
(obsolete) To make flat, smooth out.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
The defining power of an optical instrument
Explain
(obsolete) To unfold or make visible.
Define
(obsolete) To settle, decide an argument etc.
Explain
(intransitive) To make something plain or intelligible.
Define
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
Explain
To flatten; to spread out; to unfold; to expand.
The horse-chestnut is . . . ready to explain its leaf.
Define
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
Explain
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to expound; to unfold and illustrate the meaning of; as, to explain a chapter of the Bible.
Commentators to explain the difficult passages to you.
Define
To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.
Person 1: Is she good at math?
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Explain
To give an explanation.
Define
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
To define the legal boundaries of a property
Explain
Make palin and comprehensible;
He explained the laws of physics to his students
Define
(mathematics) To establish the referent of a term or notation.
Explain
Define;
The committe explained their plan for fund-raising to the Dean
Define
(programming) A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.
Explain
Serve as a reason or cause or justification of;
Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work
Her recent divorce amy explain her reluctance to date again
Define
To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
Explain
To provide a detailed account or description.
The scientist explained the steps of the experiment.
Define
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
Explain
To clarify doubts or misconceptions.
The teacher explained the difference between metaphors and similes.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined.
Define
To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature.
Define
To determine; to decide.
Define
Give a definition for the meaning of a word;
Define `sadness'
Define
Determine the essential quality of
Define
Determine the nature of;
What defines a good wine?
Define
Delineate the form or outline of;
The tree was clearly defined by the light
The camera could define the smallest object
Define
To state the exact meaning of a word or phrase.
The dictionary defines benevolent as showing kindness or goodwill.
Define
To delineate the outline or form of something.
The artist used dark lines to define the shape.
Common Curiosities
Is Explain always longer than Define?
Not necessarily, but explanations tend to be more detailed.
Can I use Explain and Define interchangeably?
Not always. They serve different purposes in sentences.
Is Define always about words?
No, it can be about concepts, boundaries, or other entities.
When should I use Define in a sentence?
When you want to state the precise meaning or essence of something.
Is there overlap between Explain and Define?
Sometimes. A definition can be part of an explanation, but not vice versa.
What is the primary difference between Explain and Define?
"Explain" is about detailing and clarifying, while "Define" is about stating exact meaning.
Which one is more in-depth, Explain or Define?
"Explain" typically offers a more in-depth understanding.
Why is it important to differentiate between Explain and Define?
To ensure clarity and precision in communication.
When should I use Explain in a sentence?
When you want to clarify or provide details on a topic.
Which is more specific, Explain or Define?
"Define" is more specific as it gives exact meaning.
Does Explain require a topic or subject?
Generally, as something is being explained.
Are Explain and Define verbs?
Yes, both are action verbs in the English language.
Can a definition be an explanation?
Rarely, if the context requires a detailed definition.
Does Define always need a direct object?
Typically, yes, as something is being defined.
Can I ask for both an explanation and definition?
Yes, e.g., "Can you define this term and then explain its significance?"
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
