a fixed definition of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fixed definition of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a specific, unchanging meaning or interpretation of a term or concept. Example: "In legal contexts, it is important to have a fixed definition of terms to avoid ambiguity in contracts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Back to the N.B.E.R.: "The Committee does not have a fixed definition of economic activity.

The New Yorker

12, 14 However, there is a lack of conclusive clinical data for a fixed definition of the optimal limit of tumor-free CRMs in esophageal cancer.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

By studying this data, the most significant reasons for data variations become evident: Firstly, a fixed definition of CAM is necessary, as some surveys include praying or relaxation techniques, for example [ 9, 10], while others do not [ 1].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We don't have a fixed definition for the term "trolling", and while some may think of this as a mere detail, it is one that can have far-reaching legal implications.

The Guardian

(I don't agree with its definition of agile — I don't agree with any fixed definition of agile — but its overall trends seem correct).

TechCrunch

Since the aim of this study was to explore what mental health professionals themselves understood to be ethical challenges concerning the use of coercion, and since our literature review resulted in few studies on ethical challenges in connection with the use of coercion, we deliberately did not present a fixed definition or theory of ethical challenges.

BMC Medical Ethics

We performed a systematic and open qualitative analysis focusing on the question: ' How do health care professionals deal with ethical challenges?' We deliberately did not present a fixed definition or theory of ethical challenge.

BMC Medical Ethics

The phonologist wants to come up with a formal, fixed definition of exactly what the syllable is as a part of language.

The Guardian

In short, I found common qualities rather than a single, fixed definition of greatness that applies down the ages.

The Guardian

There is no fixed definition of a marginal, but if we choose to define them for the 2015 general election as seats with majorities of 10% or less that require a swing of 5% for the incumbent party to lose, then there are currently 194.

BBC

Marginal seats: There is no fixed definition of a marginal: but if we choose to define them for the 2015 election as seats with majorities of 10% or less that require a swing of 5% for the incumbent party to lose, then there are currently 194 such marginal seats in Britain: 82 are Conservative.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fixed definition of", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the definition needs to be unchanging or consistently applied. This is particularly important in legal, scientific, or technical writing where precision is paramount.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone understands the "fixed definition" you are referring to. Always provide the specific definition you are using, especially when the term is subject to multiple interpretations or is used in a specialized field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fixed definition of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It specifies that a particular definition is constant and unchanging. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is used when precision and consistency are important.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fixed definition of" is a phrase used to emphasize the importance of a consistent and unchanging meaning for a term or concept. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, although it appears relatively infrequently. It is most often encountered in scientific and news media settings. When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide the specific definition to avoid any ambiguity. While alternatives like "a precise definition of" or "a clear definition of" exist, "a fixed definition of" is most effective when highlighting the need for stability and consistency in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precise definition of

Replaces "fixed" with "precise", emphasizing accuracy and clarity.

a clear definition of

Substitutes "fixed" with "clear", focusing on ease of understanding.

a specific definition of

Replaces "fixed" with "specific", highlighting particularity and detail.

an established definition of

Uses "established" instead of "fixed", emphasizing the long-standing nature of the definition.

a standard definition of

Employs "standard" instead of "fixed", indicating a widely accepted definition.

a set definition of

Replaces "fixed" with "set", suggesting a predetermined and unchangeable definition.

a rigid definition of

Substitutes "fixed" with "rigid", highlighting the inflexible nature of the definition.

a concrete definition of

Uses "concrete" instead of "fixed", emphasizing the tangible and well-defined nature of the definition.

a formal definition of

Replaces "fixed" with "formal", indicating a definition that adheres to established conventions.

a stipulated definition of

Uses "stipulated" instead of "fixed", suggesting that the definition has been formally agreed upon.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fixed definition of" when referring to a term or concept that has a specific and unchanging meaning. For example, "In legal contracts, having a fixed definition of key terms is crucial to avoid disputes."

What's a good alternative to "a fixed definition of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a precise definition of", "a clear definition of", or "an established definition of".

Why is it important to have a fixed definition of certain terms?

Having a fixed definition ensures clarity and consistency in communication, especially in fields like law, science, and engineering where precision is essential to prevent misunderstandings and errors.

In what contexts is "a fixed definition of" most relevant?

"A fixed definition of" is particularly relevant in contexts where ambiguity can lead to significant problems, such as in legal agreements, scientific research, or technical specifications. In these cases, a clearly defined and consistently applied meaning is crucial.