定義

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 定義 (ていぎ) combines fixing 定 and meaning 義 to denote a definition that sets a concept's scope.
• Basic usage: It is used for confirming key terms before discussion or trying to state what an abstract idea means.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A definition and the act of defining
  • 定義 is the stated meaning, while 定義する is the act of setting it; some concepts resist a one-phrase definition.