Explain vs. Define: Know the Difference
By Dua Fatima & Shumaila Saeed || Published on June 22, 2024
Explaining involves detailing or clarifying a concept, often including context and examples, whereas defining means stating the exact meaning of a word or phrase, typically in a concise manner.
Key Differences
We explain something, we're providing a detailed description or clarification to make a concept or process understandable. This involves context, background information, and possibly examples to illustrate the point. Defining, on the other hand, is about giving the precise meaning of a term or phrase. Definitions are usually concise and aim to encapsulate the essence of a concept without the extraneous detail that an explanation might include.
Shumaila Saeed
Jun 22, 2024
Explanation can be seen as painting a broader picture, where the goal is to cover the subject in enough detail that the audience gains a comprehensive understanding. It's interactive and adaptive, often tailored to the audience's level of knowledge. Definitions are the building blocks in this process, providing the foundational meanings upon which explanations can build.
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
An explanation might include definitions as part of its narrative, using them to clarify points before expanding upon them with additional information. In contrast, a definition stands alone, offering a quick reference or clarification without the need for extensive background information.
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
The value of explaining lies in its ability to connect concepts, demonstrate relationships, and apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. Definitions, while crucial, serve as a starting point or a reference that supports the deeper understanding provided by explanations.
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To make something clear or understandable
To state the meaning of a word or concept
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
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Aims
Enhance comprehension, address "how" and "why"
Provide a clear and direct understanding, address "what"
Hifza Nasir
Jun 22, 2024
Adaptability
Tailored to audience's knowledge level
Typically standard and straightforward
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
Explain and Define Definitions
Explain
Tailored to the audience's understanding.
For young children, he explained the concept of time using a simple analogy of a day-night cycle.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
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Define
To state the precise meaning of a term.
The dictionary defines biodiversity as the variety of life in the world or a particular ecosystem.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Explain
Can incorporate definitions.
The lecture explained economic principles by defining key terms like inflation and GDP.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Define
Serves as a reference point.
Legal documents define terms like plaintiff and defendant to clarify their roles.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Explain
Involves providing context and examples.
To explain gravity, the teacher used the example of an apple falling from a tree.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
Focuses on the "what."
Ecosystem is defined as a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
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Explain
To make an idea clear by describing it in more detail.
He explained the process of photosynthesis by detailing how plants convert sunlight into energy.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Define
Concise and to the point.
Democracy is defined as a system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Explain
Addresses the "how" and "why."
She explained why the sky is blue due to the scattering of sunlight by the atmosphere.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
Foundational for understanding concepts.
Before discussing photosynthesis, the teacher defined chlorophyll as the green pigment in plants.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
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.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
To make clear the outline or form of; delineate
Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
To specify distinctly
Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Define
To give form or meaning to
"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
The defining power of an optical instrument
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Explain
To flatten; to spread out; to unfold; to expand.
The horse-chestnut is . . . ready to explain its leaf.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
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.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Explain
Make palin and comprehensible;
He explained the laws of physics to his students
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
(programming) A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
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.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
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.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
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
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Define
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
To define the legal boundaries of a property
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
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.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
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.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Define
Delineate the form or outline of;
The tree was clearly defined by the light
The camera could define the smallest object
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is one more important than the other?
Both are crucial: definitions offer clarity, and explanations provide the comprehensive understanding.
Hifza Nasir
Jun 22, 2024
Can a definition include an explanation?
Definitions are typically concise, but they can be followed by explanations for deeper understanding.
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
How do definitions support explanations?
They provide the essential meanings that form the basis for further elaboration and understanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Jun 22, 2024
What is the difference between explaining and defining?
Explaining provides detailed understanding including context, while defining gives the precise meaning of a term.
Shumaila Saeed
Jun 22, 2024
Do explanations vary based on the audience?
Yes, explanations are often tailored to the audience's prior knowledge and understanding level.
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
How do you choose between explaining and defining?
The choice depends on the goal: for quick clarification, define; for in-depth understanding, explain.
Shumaila Saeed
Jun 22, 2024
Is it possible to have multiple definitions for one term?
Yes, especially for words with multiple uses or meanings in different contexts.
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
Why is explaining important?
It enhances comprehension, connecting concepts and demonstrating their application in real-world scenarios.
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
How does one effectively explain a complex concept?
Start with simple definitions, use examples and analogies, and gradually build up to more complex details.
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
How do cultural differences impact explanations?
Cultural context can influence how concepts are explained and understood, requiring sensitivity and adaptation.
Hifza Nasir
Jun 22, 2024
Can a definition be wrong?
Yes, if it inaccurately captures the essence of the term. Accuracy is crucial for effective definitions.
Hifza Nasir
Jun 22, 2024
Can you explain without defining?
While possible, defining key terms first often makes explanations clearer and more effective.
Hifza Nasir
Jun 22, 2024
Can definitions evolve?
Yes, as language and understanding of concepts evolve, so do their definitions.
Hifza Nasir
Jun 22, 2024
What role do examples play in explanations?
They illustrate concepts, making abstract ideas more concrete and relatable.
Dua Fatima
Jun 22, 2024
Why might someone prefer a definition over an explanation?
For quick reference or when only the basic meaning is needed without the broader context.
Shumaila Saeed
Jun 22, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Dua Fatima
Co-written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
