To sign "define", start by holding your non-dominant hand open and flat, with the palm facing your dominant side and fingers pointing up. Form a "U" handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers together. Touch the fingertips of your dominant hand to the top of your non-dominant palm, then lift slightly and touch the lower part of the palm.
Sign 'YOU', then 'DEFINE' by tapping your 'U' handshape on the top and bottom of your open palm, followed by 'THIS WORD'.
Sign 'DICTIONARY', then 'DEFINE', and finally 'MANY WORD'.
Sign 'I NEED', 'DEFINE', and then 'MY GOAL'.
Sign 'YOU', then 'DEFINE' by tapping your 'U' handshape on the top and bottom of your open palm, followed by 'THIS WORD'.
Sign 'DICTIONARY', then 'DEFINE', and finally 'MANY WORD'.
Sign 'I NEED', 'DEFINE', and then 'MY GOAL'.
They are related concepts, but often signed differently. 'Meaning' typically uses a 'V' handshape that twists on the palm, while the variation of 'define' shown here uses a 'U' handshape tapping the top and bottom of the palm.
Yes! In many conversational contexts, the sign for 'explain' (using both 'F' hands moving alternately back and forth) is a natural way to convey the idea of defining something.
Tapping the top and bottom of the palm visually represents laying out a concept from beginning to end, similar to setting down a rule or a clear parameter on a page.
