a simple definition of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple definition of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a straightforward explanation or meaning of a term or concept. Example: "A simple definition of democracy is a system of government in which the people have the power to make decisions through elected representatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

A simple definition of Sufism is in order.

The Guardian - Opinion

With irritating concepts such as "vegganism" surfacing, perhaps it's time for a simple definition of veganism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some commuters have a simple definition of the unemployed: the people they used to see on the train every morning who aren't filling the seats anymore.

The New York Times

Entries range from a simple definition of a concussion and information for parents, players and coaches, to the latest research papers.

The New York Times

A simple definition of demand for freight transportation is that it reflects the difference between a commodity's value in two different markets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even a simple definition of Germany is not easy; the text of Mr MacGregor's book is preceded by eight maps illustrating how Europe's borders have shifted since 1500.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

It also has other attractive consequences; e.g., a simpler definition of the notion of ordinal number is possible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gaṅgeśa offers a simpler definition of perception as an awareness which has no other awareness as its chief instrumental cause.

SEP

The aim of the present study was to similarly validate the prognostic value of FT-AT in patients infected with HBV and to use these non-invasive markers for a simpler definition of HBV inactive carrier status.

Plosone

We take a simpler definition of the resolution (as the largest scale divided by the smallest scale the system can discriminate), assume that the grid encodes location with a restricted range, and then seek to minimize the resources (number of neurons) required to achieve a given resolution within this range.

eLife

Based on this idea, we propose a simple definition for the confidence of each missing entry.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a simple definition of", ensure the subsequent definition is indeed straightforward and avoids unnecessary jargon.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying complex topics when using "a simple definition of". While clarity is important, ensure the definition remains accurate and doesn't mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple definition of" serves as an introductory phrase, specifically functioning as a preface or lead-in to a definition. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correctly and widely used. It signals that what follows is a basic, easily understandable explanation of a term or concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple definition of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves as an introduction to a basic explanation. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's used to clarify meaning and promote understanding, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, remember to keep the subsequent definition straightforward and avoid overly simplistic explanations that might sacrifice accuracy. Consider alternatives such as "a basic explanation of" or "a straightforward meaning of" for variety. Be aware of the most common errors like overly simplistic definitions, and always ensure the definition provides value to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic explanation of

Replaces "definition" with "explanation", focusing on clarifying a concept.

a straightforward meaning of

Substitutes "definition" with "meaning", emphasizing direct understanding.

a clear-cut explanation of

Emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding of the explanation.

a concise explanation of

Focuses on the brevity and succinctness of the explanation.

an easy-to-understand definition of

Highlights the accessibility and clarity of the definition.

a rudimentary definition of

Highlights the fundamental nature of the definition.

a layman's explanation of

Indicates the explanation is suitable for someone without specialized knowledge.

a short explanation of

Emphasizes the brevity of the explanation provided.

a brief overview of

Instead of providing a full definition, giving a short summary.

in simple terms

Frames the explanation or definition using everyday language.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple definition of" to introduce a basic explanation of a term or concept. For instance, "A simple definition of democracy is a government by the people".

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

Alternatives include "a basic explanation of", "a straightforward meaning of", or "an easy-to-understand definition of".

Is it always appropriate to use "a simple definition of"?

While generally acceptable, it's best suited for contexts where a fundamental understanding is sufficient. For in-depth analysis, a more comprehensive explanation might be necessary.

What's the difference between "a simple definition of" and "a detailed explanation of"?

"A simple definition of" provides a basic understanding, while "a detailed explanation of" offers a more thorough and comprehensive analysis.