a defining role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or function that significantly shapes or influences a situation, outcome, or identity. Example: "In the success of the project, her leadership played a defining role that inspired the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A lot depends on how your genes are expressed and this is where the environment can play a defining role.

The Guardian

If a tenor who has sung 130 roles, and counting, can be said to have a defining role, for Mr. Domingo it is probably Verdi's Otello.

The New York Times

She is not the first aging actress to make a living by leaning into a defining role; reality TV is full of them.

The New York Times

However good they are, actors always need a defining role to transform them into a film star, and as the kidnap victim Solomon Northup in the Steve McQueen-directed 12 Years a Slave, Chiwetel Ejiofor has found his.

The Guardian

The event has been rejigged so that the points race, his weakest suit, now plays a defining role; it is far longer and every point scored is an omnium point.

The Guardian - Sport

Yesterday's winner, the Dutchman Michael Boogerd, offered a timely reminder of the power superstitions and lucky charms have always played in a sport in which, more than most others, sheer bad luck plays a defining role.

The Guardian - Sport

By extending the reach of schools, broadening their mandate, and expanding their authority over the well-being of children, the state assumed a defining role in the education—and in the lives of American families.

University of Chicago

Moreover, the surface chemistry of the nanomaterial also plays a defining role, wherein it can be adjusted to selectively bind biomolecules found on the cell membrane, in specific normal/diseased tissues, or in bodily fluids (e.g. blood, interstitial fluids, etc).

Nano Convergence

But is there a defining role amongst that list of film and TV credits?

Huffington Post

In high school, I worked as a receptionist at IBM in a work study program which was a defining role.

Huffington Post

Now imagine a narco movie told as an epic about two families over a generation, in which indigenous tradition is ruthlessly shaped by outside forces and in which women play a defining role.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "a defining role" with a more specific term if the context allows. For example, instead of saying "technology played a defining role in the company's success", specify "technology played a pivotal role in streamlining operations".

Common error

Avoid using "a defining role" when the influence is minor or indirect. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact and credibility. Ensure the role genuinely had a substantial and determinative effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining role" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies has a significant or determinative impact. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this phrase is used in diverse contexts to emphasize importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defining role" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the significant impact or influence of a particular function, action, or factor. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While highly versatile, ensure its usage accurately reflects a substantial influence. Consider related phrases such as "a pivotal role" or "a crucial role" for nuanced expression. Be mindful of overstating influence and always provide concrete examples. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "a defining role" into your writing to highlight key elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal role

Emphasizes the turning point or critical nature of the role.

a crucial role

Highlights the importance of the role to the outcome.

an instrumental role

Focuses on the role being a key instrument or means to achieve something.

a significant role

Indicates that the role is notably important or consequential.

a central role

Stresses that the role is at the heart of the matter.

a key role

Highlights that the role is essential and fundamental.

a decisive role

Implies that the role has a strong influence on the final decision or outcome.

a formative role

Suggests that the role shapes or influences the development of something.

a paramount role

Emphasizes the supreme importance of the role.

a fundamental role

Highlights the basic and essential nature of the role.

FAQs

How can I use "a defining role" in a sentence?

You can use "a defining role" to describe a function or position that significantly shapes an outcome. For example, "Her leadership played a defining role in the project's success."

What can I say instead of "a defining role"?

You can use alternatives such as "a pivotal role", "a crucial role", or "a significant role" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a defining role" or "an important role"?

"A defining role" implies a more significant and determinative impact than "an important role". Use "a defining role" when the function fundamentally shapes the outcome.

What's the difference between "a defining role" and "a leading role"?

"A defining role" describes the impact, while "a leading role" describes the prominence or visibility. Someone in a leading role may or may not have a defining influence, and vice versa.