a generous definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a definition that is broad or inclusive, allowing for a wider interpretation of a term or concept. Example: "In this context, we will use a generous definition of 'success' that includes personal fulfillment and happiness, not just financial gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Under a generous definition, it stretches from Post Road West to Wilton Road, from Norwalk to the Saugatuck River, which means it has about 3,500 people across two and a half square miles, according to census figures.

The New York Times

All the above reckoning, however, still relies on distance from what might be a generous definition of "city". Outlying metro areas such as Rapid City, S.D., and Helena, Mont., end up with a large influence on the outcome.

The Washington Post

This growth is usually attributed to greater pride in Aboriginality, the evolution of positive discrimination (affirmative action) policies in education, health, and welfare, and the official adoption of a generous definition of "Aboriginals" and "Torres Strait Islanders".

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was a false start (the announcement at the White House that the sequence was complete relied on a generous definition of that word: a truly complete sequence was not published until 2003).

The Economist

Kepler mission scientist Natalie Batalha, an astronomer at NASA's Ames Research Center who was not involved with the study, agrees it's a generous definition.

Huffington Post

With a generous definition of AI, one may even argue that this is already the case: all scientific research today relies on computers and software.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Haunted Weather - a brilliant title, implicitly offering a poetically generous definition of what music is - pursues experimental sound art into the 21st century, interviewing its weird and wonderful practitioners, musing on its implications and weaving it all into a globetrotting travelogue.

The Guardian - Music

Even when using a pretty generous definition of the term "aircraft carrier," there are only a few dozen of them in the world today, so the fact that a sizable percentage of the operational carriers have been shown off in recent weeks is more than just coincidence.

Vice

Well, you could actually make the argument, at a stretch, that the government's changes do have retrospective "elements" (using a very generous definition of retrospective), so the IPA isn't completely bonkers.

The Guardian

Of the 150 million Indians online we only have 10 million households with broadband connectivity and even that is a very generous definition of broadband.

The Guardian

And that figure is reached only by using a very generous definition of telecommuting — working from home at least one hour per week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a generous definition" when you want to convey that a term or concept is being interpreted broadly or inclusively to encompass a wider range of possibilities or perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "a generous definition" to the point where the definition becomes meaningless or loses its original intent. Ensure that the definition still serves a practical purpose and doesn't become so broad that it includes irrelevant or unrelated elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous definition" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate the scope or breadth of a definition. It suggests the definition is inclusive and perhaps less strict than a standard definition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generous definition" is a phrase used to describe a broad or inclusive interpretation of a term or concept. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various fields like news, science, and academia. Alternatives such as "a broad interpretation" or "an inclusive definition" can be used depending on the specific context. However, it's crucial to avoid overusing this phrase to the point where the definition loses its meaning or becomes too vague. Understanding these nuances helps in effectively communicating your intended meaning and avoiding potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad interpretation

Focuses on the act of interpreting something widely, rather than the definition itself being generous.

a wide-ranging definition

Emphasizes the scope and extent covered by the definition.

an inclusive definition

Highlights the act of including more elements or aspects within the definition.

a liberal interpretation

Suggests an open-minded and flexible understanding, similar to "generous".

an expansive definition

Indicates a definition that has been stretched or broadened.

a permissive definition

Implies that the definition allows for more leeway or exceptions.

a loose definition

Suggests the definition lacks precision or strict boundaries.

a flexible definition

Focuses on the adaptability and ease of modification of the definition.

an accommodating definition

Highlights the definition's ability to incorporate diverse elements or viewpoints.

a charitable definition

Indicates a benevolent or lenient approach to understanding or interpreting something.

FAQs

How can I use "a generous definition" in a sentence?

You can use "a generous definition" to indicate that you are interpreting a term or concept broadly. For example, "For the purposes of this study, we are using "a generous definition" of 'innovation' to include both incremental and radical changes."

What is the difference between "a generous definition" and "a broad definition"?

While both phrases suggest an inclusive scope, ""a generous definition"" implies a willingness to overlook strict boundaries, whereas "a broad definition" simply indicates a wide scope. The former often carries a connotation of leniency.

What can I say instead of "a generous definition"?

You can use alternatives like "a broad interpretation", "an inclusive definition", or "a liberal interpretation" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a generous definition"?

No, it is not always appropriate. Using ""a generous definition"" is most suitable when you need to accommodate various interpretations or when strict adherence to a conventional definition would be too restrictive. However, in contexts requiring precision, a more specific definition is preferable.