Define vs Explain

Quando usar cada um em inglês, com significado, registro e exemplos.

Define

Top 1000 (muito comum)B1verb

Explain

Top 1000 (muito comum)A1verb
 DefineExplain
Pronúncia🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈfaɪn/","/dɪˈfaɪnz/","/dɪˈfaɪnd/","/dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈfaɪn/","/dɪˈfaɪnz/","/dɪˈfaɪnd/","/dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/
SignificadoTo explain the meaning of a word or idea.To make something clear or easy to understand.
ExemploCan you define the term 'photosynthesis' for us?Can you explain how this machine works?
RegistroNeutroNeutro
Quão comumTop 1000 (muito comum)Top 1000 (muito comum)
Nível CEFRB1A1
Classe gramaticalverbverb
Colocaçõesaccurately, carefully, correctly, be difficult to, be impossible to, be easy to, as, by, in terms of, accurately, carefully, correctly, be difficult to, be impossible to, be easy to, as, by, in terms ofin detail, fully, adequately, be able to, be unable to, can, about, to, explain everything, go a long way, some way, etc. towards/​toward explaining something, in detail, fully, adequately, be able to, be unable to, can, about, to, explain everything, go a long way, some way, etc. towards/​toward explaining something
Antônimosconfuse, misinterpretconfuse, obscure, complicate
Erros comunsConfused with 'defy' which means to resist or challenge., Using 'define' without an object, e.g., saying 'define' alone., Incorrectly spelled as 'defin' or 'defene'.Using 'explain' without an object, e.g., 'I will explain' instead of 'I will explain the concept.', Confusing 'explain' with 'describe' – 'explain' is about making something clear, while 'describe' is about detailing., Misusing the tense, e.g., saying 'I explained' when referring to a future action.
Notas de usoUse 'define' when you want to explain something clearly. It's suitable for academic and casual contexts, but avoid using it in very informal settings.Use 'explain' when you want to clarify or make something easier to understand. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but avoid using it in highly formal contexts where more technical terms might be preferred.

Perguntas frequentes: Define vs Explain

Qual é a diferença entre Define e Explain?

Define: To explain the meaning of a word or idea. Explain: To make something clear or easy to understand.

Qual é mais avançada: Define e Explain?

Define é o nível mais alto, em B1, na escala CEFR.

Define e Explain estão no mesmo nível CEFR?

Define: B1, Explain: A1 na escala CEFR.

Que classe gramatical são Define e Explain?

Define: verb, Explain: verb.

Pode mostrar um exemplo de cada?

Define: Can you define the term 'photosynthesis' for us? Explain: Can you explain how this machine works?

Posso usar Define e Explain de forma intercambiável?

Nem sempre. Define e Explain são relacionadas e às vezes se sobrepõem, mas diferem em registro, frequência e uso, então trocar uma pela outra pode mudar o sentido ou o tom. Veja as diferenças acima antes de substituir.

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