a singular definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a unique or specific definition of a term or concept. Example: "In this context, we will focus on a singular definition of 'freedom' that encompasses both personal and societal aspects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For some it's a fleeting, ephemeral state contingent on circumstance and resistant to a singular definition; for others it's a phenomenon that can be observed, measured and distilled into numbers, metrics and, ultimately, policy.

The Guardian

The matter of utmost importance--unanimously approved by the conference's 116 attendees--is the need for a singular definition of "postdoc" in academia, industry, and government.

Science Magazine

While neo-paganism lacks a singular definition, many followers have come to define it as a primitive, matriarchal religion that flourished in Western Europe, centered on the worship of a "Mother Goddess", and became largely decimated by Christianity.

Wikipedia

Remember that love is a multi-colored, many splendid thing that is hard to confine to one-box-fits-all or to a singular definition.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So, instead of extending Western social notions of human identity into biology, we now appreciate that complexes of organisms in fact constitute presumed individuals and thus defy any singular definition of organismal identity as independent agents.

SEP

With regards OA-related joint pain; the lack of a clear, singular definition for OA has resulted in differences in the threshold for diagnosis, for some precluding active case-finding in primary care.

BMC Family Practice

It has no singular definition but is typically a hedonistic party featuring a lot of meat the name is believed to descend from the latin words "carne" and "vale," which means "a farewell to meat".

Vice

However the immense scope of this approach can create a challenge in arriving at a singular, concise definition of EcoHealth.

BMC Public Health

Authentic does not mean "This is who I am," but as Shakespeare understood, and demonstrates: the authentic human generates no singular definition: I love you.

Huffington Post

The LGBT justice and equality movement and the activism working to alter the singular definition of masculinity that enables violence against women continue to gain force and visibility in new ways and spaces.

Huffington Post

While there is no singular definition of medical tourism that has gained wide acceptance, in this article we place some widely acknowledged parameters on what it is understood to be in order to focus the scoping review.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a singular definition", ensure the context clearly indicates why the definition is unique or noteworthy. Avoid overuse to maintain impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular definition" when referring to widely accepted or common definitions. Reserve it for cases where the definition is genuinely unique or specifically tailored.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular definition" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun. It modifies the noun "definition", indicating that the definition being referred to is unique or specific. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular definition" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that emphasizes the uniqueness or specificity of a definition. As supported by Ludwig, it appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki, with a neutral to formal register. While "rare" in frequency, its appropriate usage adds precision to writing by highlighting distinctiveness. Alternatives like "a unique definition" or "a specific definition" can provide clarity depending on the context. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain impact and avoid misapplication in broad or commonly understood contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique definition

Replaces "singular" with "unique", emphasizing the distinctiveness of the definition.

a distinctive definition

Substitutes "singular" with "distinctive", highlighting the definition's quality of standing out.

a specific definition

Replaces "singular" with "specific", focusing on the precision of the definition.

a particular definition

Uses "particular" instead of "singular", stressing the definition's individual and precise nature.

an exceptional definition

Emphasizes the high quality or unusual nature of the definition.

a one-of-a-kind definition

Highlights the uniqueness and unparalleled nature of the definition.

a specialized definition

Focuses on the definition being tailored for a specific context or purpose.

a definitive definition

Suggests that the definition is authoritative and conclusive.

a precise definition

Highlights the accuracy and clarity of the definition.

an individual definition

Emphasizes that the definition is tailored to a single entity or purpose.

FAQs

What does "a singular definition" mean?

The phrase "a singular definition" refers to a unique, specific, or exceptional definition, often implying that it's distinct from common or general understandings.

When should I use "a singular definition" in my writing?

Use "a singular definition" when you want to emphasize the uniqueness or specificity of a definition. Consider alternatives like "a unique definition" or "a specific definition" if the context requires more clarity.

Is "a singular definition" interchangeable with "a unique definition"?

While similar, "a singular definition" and "a unique definition" are not always interchangeable. "Singular" can imply both uniqueness and a certain level of distinction or specialization, whereas "unique" simply means one-of-a-kind.

What are some other ways to express the concept of "a singular definition"?

You can also use phrases like "a distinctive definition", "a particular definition", or "a specialized definition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.