accepted definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accepted definition" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when referring to commonly accepted definitions of terms. For example, "The accepted definition of bullying is the use of aggression to cause intentional harm or discomfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no generally accepted definition of a recession.

The New Yorker

Hate speech has no universally accepted definition, legal experts say.

The New York Times - Tech

In truth, there is no universally accepted definition of intelligence, either animal or human.

The New York Times - Books

In truth, there is no universally accepted definition of the term.

The New York Times

The simplest culturally accepted definition, he said, is that "cops shoot because other cops shoot".

The New York Times

The generally accepted definition of privacy is the "right to be let alone".

The Guardian

For these and other reasons, there is no universally accepted definition of fascism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But is this universally accepted definition correct?

Artificial Intelligence

Furthermore, there is no commonly accepted definition of BDP.

Journal of Systems and Software

There is no universally accepted definition of lying to others.

SEP

There is no universally accepted definition of sustainable transportation.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accepted definition", ensure the context clearly indicates whose acceptance you are referring to. Is it a universally held view, or accepted within a specific field?

Common error

A common mistake is to assume that an "accepted definition" is universally agreed upon. Always verify and, if necessary, qualify the extent to which the definition is actually accepted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accepted definition" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to specify or clarify the meaning of a term or concept. It emphasizes that the definition is not merely one possibility but has gained widespread agreement or recognition, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accepted definition" serves as a linguistic tool to pinpoint the commonly understood meaning of a term. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its frequent use across diverse domains, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedias. The phrase isn't just correct, as Ludwig AI states, but vital for clear communication. While assuming that an "accepted definition" automatically implies universal agreement is a common pitfall, carefully noting the source or field helps prevent misunderstandings. Related phrases like "widely recognized definition" or "established definition" can offer similar nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely recognized definition

Emphasizes the broad recognition and acknowledgment of a particular definition.

established definition

Highlights the long-standing and firmly rooted nature of the definition.

conventional definition

Refers to a definition that is in accordance with general practice or accepted standards.

standard definition

Indicates a definition that is commonly used and considered the norm.

common understanding

Focuses on the shared understanding or interpretation of a term or concept.

prevailing definition

Suggests that a definition is currently dominant or most popular.

acknowledged definition

Highlights that the definition has been formally recognized or admitted.

agreed-upon definition

Emphasizes the consensus or agreement on a particular definition.

well-defined concept

Focuses on the clarity and precision of a particular concept.

classic definition

Implies a long-standing and influential definition.

FAQs

What does "accepted definition" mean?

The phrase "accepted definition" refers to the most common or agreed-upon meaning of a term or concept within a particular context or field.

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

You can use "accepted definition" to clarify the meaning of a term. For example: "The "widely recognized definition" of 'recession' is two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth."

What can I say instead of "accepted definition"?

You can use alternatives like "established definition", "conventional definition", or "standard definition" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use the "accepted definition"?

While using the "accepted definition" ensures clarity, it's not always mandatory. Depending on the context, you might need to use a more specific or nuanced definition. If the "conventional definition" doesn't suit the situation, provide your own definition.