GitHub - grantcarthew/python-define: An AI-powered command-line linguistics assistant.

5 min read Original article ↗

define

An AI-powered command-line linguistics assistant.

If you're like me, you often feel unsure about the spelling of words, and sometimes even the definition of a word. Perhaps you're a programmer trying to come up with a name for that variable, function, data, or whatever else.

The 'define' command is a godsend. It's one of the best things to come out of the Artificial Intelligence boom.

It uses a Large Language Model API to query definitions of words, correct spelling mistakes, and provide synonyms as well as antonyms.

The 'define' command will cost you less than $2 USD per month for typical use.

define IS NOT

  • A general purpose AI client
  • A free tool to use, you will need an AI API Key
  • Always perfect in its response

Installation

First, set up your environment variables:

export DEFINE_API_KEY="<your-ai-api-key>"
export DEFINE_BASE_URL="<your-ai-base-url>"     # Defaults to https://api.x.ai/v1
export DEFINE_MODEL_NAME="<your-ai-model-name>" # Defaults to grok-beta

Next, install the tool with uv:

(Requires uv)

uv tool install python-define

After installation, test it:

Package Address: https://pypi.org/project/python-define/

Development

If you want to contribute to the development of define, you can set up a local development environment using uv.

  1. Clone the repository:

    git clone https://github.com/grantcarthew/python-define.git
cd python-define

  2. Create a virtual environment:

  3. Activate the virtual environment:

    • On macOS/Linux:

      source .venv/bin/activate

    • On Windows:

  4. Install the project in editable mode:

Now you can run the define command directly, and your changes to the source code will be reflected immediately.

Supported AI Platforms

Examples

> $ define acomodate

Spelling: Accommodate
Definition: To provide lodging or sufficient space for; to fit in with the wishes or needs of.
Category: Verb - a word that describes an action, state, or occurrence.

Synonyms:
1. House
2. Lodge
3. Shelter
4. Fit
5. Hold
6. Contain
7. Adapt
8. Adjust
9. Conform
10. Serve

Antonyms:
1. Displace
2. Evict
3. Reject
4. Refuse
5. Turn away
6. Inconvenience
7. Disorganize
8. Misfit
9. Disturb
10. Upset


> $ define A variable that holds key/value data

Spelling: Dictionary
Definition: A data structure that holds key/value pairs, allowing for efficient retrieval of values based on their associated keys.
Category: Noun - a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea.

Synonyms:
1. Hashmap
2. Hashtable
3. Map
4. Associative array
5. Key-value store
6. Lookup table
7. Symbol table
8. Index
9. Registry
10. Catalog

Antonyms:
1. List
2. Array
3. Sequence
4. Stack
5. Queue
6. Set
7. Collection
8. Series
9. Chain
10. Line


> $ define orsom

Spelling: Awesome
Definition: Extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration, apprehension, or fear.
Category: Adjective - a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.

Synonyms:
1. Amazing
2. Astonishing
3. Astounding
4. Breathtaking
5. Impressive
6. Magnificent
7. Marvelous
8. Stunning
9. Wonderful
10. Spectacular

Antonyms:
1. Unimpressive
2. Ordinary
3. Mediocre
4. Common
5. Dull
6. Boring
7. Unremarkable
8. Uninspiring
9. Mundane
10. Plain


> $ define god send

Spelling: Godsend
Definition: A very helpful or valuable event, person, or thing.
Category: Noun - a word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects.

Synonyms:
1. Blessing
2. Boon
3. Windfall
4. Benefit
5. Advantage
6. Gift
7. Aid
8. Help
9. Miracle
10. Treasure

Antonyms:
1. Curse
2. Misfortune
3. Disaster
4. Calamity
5. Hindrance
6. Burden
7. Drawback
8. Obstacle
9. Problem
10. Nuisance


> $ define horseduvers

Spelling: Hors d'oeuvres
Definition: Small dishes served before a meal or at a party.
Category: Noun - a word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects.

Synonyms:
1. Appetizers
2. Starters
3. Canapés
4. Nibbles
5. Snacks
6. Finger food
7. Tapas
8. Antipasti
9. Amuse-bouches
10. Tidbits

Antonyms:
1. Main courses
2. Entrées
3. Main dishes
4. Principal dishes
5. Main meals
6. Main servings
7. Main plates
8. Main courses
9. Main fare
10. Main entrees


> $ define cricky

Spelling: Crikey
Definition: An exclamation of surprise or astonishment.
Category: Interjection - a word or phrase that expresses a sudden emotion or reaction.

Synonyms:
1. Blimey
2. Gosh
3. Wow
4. Jeez
5. Goodness
6. Holy cow
7. My word
8. Oh my
9. Heavens
10. Yikes

Antonyms: (Note: Interjections typically do not have direct antonyms, but here are some expressions of calm or indifference)
1. Meh
2. Whatever
3. No big deal
4. So what
5. Who cares
6. Fine
7. Okay
8. Alright
9. Sure
10. Alright then


> $ define I don't know what it's called, but when you are scared of crouds?

Spelling: Crowds
Definition: Large groups of people gathered together.
Category: Noun - a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea.

Spelling: Agoraphobia
Definition: An anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to avoidance of crowds or open spaces.
Category: Noun - a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea.

Synonyms:
1. Fear of open spaces
2. Social anxiety
3. Panic disorder
4. Claustrophobia (related but different)
5. Anxiety disorder
6. Fear of public places
7. Fear of leaving home
8. Fear of being trapped
9. Fear of being helpless
10. Fear of being embarrassed

Antonyms:
1. Sociability
2. Extroversion
3. Confidence
4. Calmness
5. Composure
6. Ease
7. Assurance
8. Boldness
9. Fearlessness
10. Tranquility