# showDefinition(for:range:options:baselineOriginProvider:) Shows a window displaying the definition of the specified range of the attributed string. ``` func showDefinition(for attrString: NSAttributedString?, range targetRange: NSRange, options: [NSView.DefinitionOptionKey : Any]? = nil, baselineOriginProvider originProvider: ((NSRange) -> NSPoint)? = nil) ``` ## Parameters `attrString` The attributed string for which to show the definition. If the view is an instance of NSTextView, the `attrString` value can be `nil`, in which case the text view will automatically supply values suitable for displaying definitions for the specified range within its text content. `targetRange` The range of the attributed string to define. You can pass a zero-length range and the appropriate range will be auto-detected around the range’s offset. That’s the recommended approach when there is no selection. `options` An optional dictionary that specifies how the definition is displayed. See `NSDefinition Presentation Constants` for the key and it’s possible values. `originProvider` The originProvider block object should return the baseline origin for the first character at the adjusted range. If the view is an instance of NSTextView, the originProvider can be `NULL` , in which case the text view will automatically supply values suitable for displaying definitions for the specified range within its text content. The block object takes a single argument: - adjustedRange: The adjusted range. The block object returns an `NSPoint` to be used as the baseline origin of the first character, in the view’s view coordinate system. ## Discussion This method does not cause scrolling, so clients should perform any necessary scrolling before calling this method. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)