a defined term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defined term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are specifying a term that has been clearly explained or established in a particular document or discussion. Example: "In this contract, 'party' is a defined term that refers to either the buyer or the seller."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Appointments in the payroll categories described above may or may not have a defined term limit and end date.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If the page you have searched for is an alias rather than a defined term, you will be directed to a disambiguation page.

Stanford University

There's a defined term, 'Gross Domestic Product', whose size and growth are equated with the size and growth of the economy.

The Economist

Material adverse effect, or MAE for short, is a defined term, and the target typically makes a representation that, since some selected prior date, no MAE has occurred to the target.

The New York Times

Companies that monitor and defend their information systems, or share or receive information, under CISA must implement a "security control" (a defined term) to protect threat indicators and defensive measures from unauthorized access or acquisition.

Harvard University

Yet, the interpretation of theoretical terms by axioms of a scientific theory differs in several ways from that of a defined term by a definition.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Flexibility is a loosely defined term used in a number of application areas with different and frequently contradicting views.

International Journal of Production Economics

Southern Baptist can be a loosely defined term.

The New York Times

In statistics, error is a precisely defined term.

The Economist

"Coördination" has become a hazily defined term, and often seems to serve mostly to keep up the appearance of distance, rather than the fact.

The New Yorker

Sources & acknowledgmentsReprints Related topics Economics Globalisation The yuan Chinese markets Foreign exchange"Capital controls" is a loosely defined term.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a defined term", ensure the term has indeed been previously defined within the context of your writing or the document you're referencing. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a defined term" when the term has not actually been explicitly defined in the text or related documentation. This can confuse readers and undermine the credibility of your writing. Instead, either define the term or use a more general phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defined term" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it identifies a word or phrase with a meaning that has been explicitly set, especially in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a defined term" is a useful tool for ensuring precision in formal communication. As Ludwig AI notes, it is grammatically correct and signals that a word or phrase has a specific meaning within a given context. While most frequently found in academic, news, and scientific sources, it's important to actually define the term being referenced to avoid confusion. Consider using alternatives like "a specified term" or "a designated term" for variety. Remember that clarity is key when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specified term

Emphasizes the act of specifying or detailing the term, highlighting its particular characteristics.

a designated term

Focuses on the act of officially assigning or indicating a specific term for a purpose.

a term with a precise definition

Highlights the accuracy and clarity of the term's meaning.

a clearly defined concept

Shifts focus to the concept being defined, rather than just the term itself.

a well-defined term

Emphasizes the quality of the definition, suggesting it is thorough and complete.

a term that is explicitly defined

Highlights the directness and unambiguous nature of the definition.

a term with a set meaning

Focuses on the fixed and established nature of the term's interpretation.

a term subject to definition

Describes a term that is in the process of being defined or needs further definition.

a term under definition

Similar to the previous, but emphasizes that the definition is currently in progress.

a term with established criteria

Highlights the existence of criteria that determine the application or understanding of the term.

FAQs

How can I use "a defined term" in a sentence?

Use "a defined term" when you want to emphasize that a specific word or phrase has a particular meaning established within a certain context. For example: "In legal contracts, 'force majeure' is "a defined term" that refers to unforeseeable circumstances."

What's the difference between "a defined term" and "a common term"?

"A defined term" refers to a word or phrase with a specific meaning that has been explicitly stated, often within a particular document or field. "A common term", on the other hand, is a word or phrase that is widely understood and used in general language.

Are there synonyms for "a defined term"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "a specified term", "a designated term", or "a term with a precise definition depending on the context".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a defined term"?

It's best to use "a defined term" in formal writing, technical documentation, legal documents, and academic papers where precision and clarity are essential. This indicates that a term isn't just casually used but has a particular, agreed-upon meaning.