a fair definition of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair definition of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a definition that is reasonable or justifiable in a particular context. Example: "In the context of social justice, a fair definition of equality would be the equal treatment of all individuals regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The constitution, cooked up under military rule, forbids any attempt at "placing the government of state under the control of an individual or a group of people, or establishing the hegemony of one social class over others, or creating discrimination on the basis of language, race, religion or sect"—a fair definition of party politics.

The Economist

As Norrell puts it: "Having conditions forced on him, with the threat of destruction clearly the cost of resist­ance, does not constitute a fair definition of accommodation.

The New York Times - Books

She is, in other words, a raging mess who can't help how she behaves and knows it, which to me is a fair definition of hell.

The New York Times

Being propelled onto a course that zigzags between glorification and humiliation, in which your identity is forever in flux, sounds to me like a fair definition of life.

The New York Times

None of these men will have his image on Mount Rushmore, yet they have changed minds around the world — and that is a fair definition of influence, the panel agreed.

Princeton University

— Early in Richard Nelson's clinical new production of Turgenev's "Month in the Country," one character says waspishly to her platonic lover, "You love observing people, picking them apart, rummaging around in them...".. It's a fair definition of everybody else onstage: These folks just can't stop dissecting one another's behavior and motives and affectations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In her latest book to feature the quasi-retired detective named Jackson Brodie, Kate Atkinson lets him deliver a fair working definition of how an Atkinson book is apt to unfold.

The New York Times - Books

By that I mean the one that Kasabian were on, which seems as fair a definition of main as any.

The Guardian - Music

The curves were hyperbolae rather than circles, and the two sides were not quite symmetrical, but Dr. Steavenson found that he could get fair definition on a portion of Saturn: the diameter of the well-defined region was only 26", so that it must have been excessively difficult to keep objects in the field without equatorial mounting.

Nature

You lose a fair amount of definition outside perhaps a 30-degree cone, which is to be expected.

TechCrunch

I think a fair, extremely rough definition of the establishment is office-holders — especially high office-holders — consultants who've been around a long time, lobbyists and donors.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a fair definition of", ensure that the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand why the definition is considered reasonable or justifiable. This might involve outlining the criteria used to evaluate the definition or comparing it to alternative definitions.

Common error

Avoid using "a fair definition of" when the definition is subjective or lacks objective criteria for evaluation. Overusing the phrase can imply a level of impartiality that does not exist, potentially misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair definition of" functions as an introductory element to present a definition that is considered reasonable, unbiased, or justifiable within a given context. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is suitable to describe definitions with specific criteria.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fair definition of" serves as an introductory phrase to present a definition deemed reasonable and justifiable. It is commonly used across various fields such as news, academia, and science, indicating its neutrality and wide applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides enough information to support the claim of fairness, and be mindful of overstating impartiality if the definition is subjective. Alternatives such as "a reasonable definition of" or "an equitable definition of" may be used to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable definition of

Replaces 'fair' with 'reasonable', emphasizing the logical and justifiable aspect of the definition.

an equitable definition of

Substitutes 'fair' with 'equitable', highlighting the impartiality and justice of the definition.

a just definition of

Replaces 'fair' with 'just', focusing on the moral rightness and fairness of the definition.

a valid definition of

Substitutes 'fair' with 'valid', emphasizing that the definition is sound and well-founded.

an acceptable definition of

Replaces 'fair' with 'acceptable', highlighting that the definition is satisfactory or meets certain criteria.

a legitimate definition of

Substitutes 'fair' with 'legitimate', suggesting the definition adheres to established rules or principles.

a defensible definition of

Replaces 'fair' with 'defensible', implying the definition can be supported with evidence or arguments.

an unbiased definition of

Substitutes 'fair' with 'unbiased', emphasizing the impartiality and objectivity of the definition.

an objective definition of

Replaces 'fair' with 'objective', focusing on the factual and neutral nature of the definition.

a balanced definition of

Substitutes 'fair' with 'balanced', implying that the definition takes into account various perspectives or factors.

FAQs

How can I use "a fair definition of" in a sentence?

You can use "a fair definition of" to introduce a definition that you believe is reasonable and justifiable. For example, "A fair definition of success might include both professional achievement and personal fulfillment."

What are some alternatives to saying "a fair definition of"?

You can use alternatives like "a reasonable definition of", "an equitable definition of", or "a just definition of" depending on the context.

What makes a definition "fair"?

A definition is considered "fair" when it is unbiased, objective, and takes into account all relevant perspectives and factors. It should also be consistent with established principles and criteria.

Is there a universally accepted "fair definition of" concepts like justice or equality?

While there are many proposed definitions of concepts like justice or equality, what constitutes a "fair definition of" them can be subjective and depend on the specific context and values being considered. Different people may have different interpretations of fairness.