définisse

Définisse is a French verb form, specifically the present subjunctive (subjonctif présent) of the verb définir, meaning to define, delimit, or set boundaries. In isolation it may appear ambiguous, but it is understood as the third person singular or first/third person forms in the subjunctive mood (for example, que je définisse or qu’il définisse).

In usage, definissa is used in subordinate clauses that express necessity, doubt, desire, or subjectivity, typically following expressions such as il faut que, bien que, afin que, pour que, ou que. The subjunctive mood marks nuances of uncertainty or non-factuality, and accordingly definisse appears in formal or written French rather than everyday speech. The complete present-subjunctive paradigm for defining is: que je définisse, que tu définisses, qu’il définisse, que nous définissions, que vous définissiez, qu’ils définissent.

Etymologically, defining derives from the verb définir, which comes from Latin definire, itself from de- plus finire, meaning to bound or end. The form definisse is one of several inflected endings that signal the subjunctive mood in French verbs ending in -ir, such as définir, différer, and finir. In modern usage, definir is common in academic, legal, and formal writing where precise definitions are required.