One of the most frequently used terms in Human Design is Definition. Definition comes from defined centers — that is, when they are colored in on a Human Design chart. For a center to be defined, it must be connected to another center through a channel. Therefore, all energy types have at least two defined centers, except for Reflectors, who have no Definition since they have no defined centers.
However, if you look at your Human Design chart, you’ll find a specific term called Definition.
An individual’s Definition is determined by how the various defined centers are connected. They may form groups among themselves. For example, you might have the Root, Sacral, and Solar Plexus interconnected, and the Throat connected to the Ajna. In this case, you have two separate groups of defined centers, which is called a Split Definition.
Definition is an important factor in your Design because it represents the way you process information or receive what is presented to you. It would be extremely helpful, for example, for teachers to know their students’ Definitions to understand why one student gets everything right away while another seems lost at first but suddenly masters it the next day, helping them manage expectations accordingly.
If you think of your defined centers as representing consistent and stable energy, the more interconnected they are, the more easily energy flows between them. They function like circuits — either fully linked or with breaks in between.
There are four types of Definition:
Single (or Singular): occurs when all centers and channels are connected in a closed circuit — about 41% of the population.
Split: occurs when there are two distinct groups of defined centers that are not connected — about 46% of the population.
Within Split Definition, there are 3 Subcategories: small split, wide split, and very wide split. A small split occurs when only one Gate is “missing”, a wide split when two Gates (one Channel) are missing, and a very wide split when three or more Gates are needed to complete the circuit between the defined centers.
Triple Split: occurs when there are three separate groups of defined centers that are not connected — about 11% of the population.
Quadruple Split: occurs when there are four groups of defined centers — roughly 1% of the population.
Single Definition
People with a Single Definition have only two defined centers or one single group of centers all interconnected. All their energy is thus concentrated in a single focal point.
For those with a Single Definition, it is easier and faster to learn and understand the world because their energy is all concentrated in one place. They don’t get lost trying to bridge connections between multiple centers.
A Single Definition can arise from having only two defined centers, leaving much openness or undefined space, or from having a large group of defined centers all interconnected.
These individuals are typically very independent and enjoy working and studying alone. Some may struggle to understand other people’s problems or dilemmas, but, as with everything in Human Design, it’s essential to look at the entire chart. Just as they learn quickly, they can also forget easily because their circuitry processes everything so fast that it immediately moves on to the next piece of information.
Split Definition
When someone has a Split Definition, there are two distinct groups of defined centers that are not connected to each other. These groups can vary in size, but this setup means there are at least four defined centers.
The energy is divided into two circuits, which can be either very close together or very far apart. The white space between them can make our perception of ourselves feel very different, depending on how far apart they are.
If the centers are very close together, there is a tendency to seek someone who completes the channel that would temporarily create a Single Definition, influenced by the aura of another person.
For this reason, people with Split Definition often feel a genuine need for others and tend to thrive in monogamous relationships, which they perceive as especially harmonious. They enjoy being in a collaborative mode and having someone to exchange ideas with. For Split Definition individuals, one person is enough — as long as it’s the right person who helps them bridge the split.
Triple Split Definition
When someone has a Triple Split Definition, it means there are three distinct groups of defined centers that are not connected to each other. Because of this, people with a Triple Split Definition often enjoy being around a wide variety of people who can help “bridge” their open areas.
Without the presence of other auras, people with a Triple Split Definition may feel lost and can be quite impatient in the way they process information, often requiring multiple explanations to understand something that might seem basic to others — but eventually, with the help of others, they get there.
A person with a triple split and emotional authority may not always know how they feel, and clarity can take time to arrive. It’s important to be gentle and understand that this clarity may mean that something said yesterday might have changed today — and that’s okay, because with three separate crews on board, it simply takes more time to set sail.
It’s essential for people with a Triple Split Definition to gain this kind of awareness, because when they know how to navigate it, it becomes easier to avoid misunderstandings and feel the freedom to clarify something they once said but later regretted.
Quadruple Split Definition
In this type of definition, there are four groups of defined centers. This means these are people with several defined centers and, therefore, they are unable to draw much energy from the outside world, having to rely on their internal energy.
In addition to having a rather rare definition, these people also function as the opposite of a Reflector and have at least 8 defined centers, which makes them less exposed to conditioning because they already have a strong sense of who they are. Since they have so much definition, they are little influenced by the world around them.
They are people who mainly need time, patience with themselves, and the freedom to process information calmly.
Is There a Better Definition in Human Design?
There are no definitions that are better or easier to have than others, as each one has its own unique characteristics.
People with split definition don’t need to do anything. If they are aligned with their Strategy and Authority, their auras will naturally be drawn to people who can bridge their openness.
Definition is also not a sign of intelligence, because when we consider how much we constantly learn through interaction with others, those with Single Definition would actually be at a disadvantage.
On the other hand, considering that the majority of the population has Emotional Authority, and that people with Triple or Quadruple Split Definition have most of their centers defined, we can see that time is a crucial factor for these types of Definition.
