an exact definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exact definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to specify a precise meaning or interpretation of a term or concept. Example: "In order to avoid confusion, it is important to provide an exact definition of the term 'sustainability' in our report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Researchers rarely agree on an exact definition.

The Guardian

Reid asked for an exact definition of what constitutes emotion for Obama: "Can you describe it?

The New York Times

Kurlansky quotes from Baraka's book "Blues People": "In language, the African tradition aims at circumlocution rather than an exact definition.

The New Yorker

It was an eloquent defense of the church's honor & an exact definition of the rights of pew owners.

The New Yorker

Philosophers and theologians may speculate about the essence of human nature, but biologists have a kick-the-tires test that should, in principle, deliver an exact definition.

The New York Times

If the fund manager does not pass on the fee to the end investor, that is effectively a charge.Without an exact definition, comparison shopping may be impossible.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It is not a metaphor but a very exact definition of the system," Andrey Movchan, a banker and finance expert in Moscow, said.

The New Yorker

But perhaps a more exact definition would be "the compressed century," for never has a period of 100 years seen so many world wars, so many scientific and technological advances, so many revolutions, so many epoch-making events piled almost one on top of the other.

The New York Times

It would be necessary a more exact definition of which changes in headache pattern, and their onset interval, require investigation.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

There seems to be no pragmatic pressure in everyday communication to converge to a more exact definition of the notion of information.

SEP

There are two main reasons for proposing a more exact definition.

BMC Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an exact definition", ensure that the definition you provide is unambiguous and leaves no room for misinterpretation. It should be as precise as possible.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience shares your understanding of a term. Even if a term seems common, providing "an exact definition" can prevent confusion and ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exact definition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies the need for a precise and unambiguous explanation of a term or concept, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exact definition" is a phrase used to highlight the necessity of having a clear and unambiguous understanding of a term or concept. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various fields, including science, news, and formal writing. The most effective way to use this phrase is to follow it with a definition that is precise and leaves no room for misinterpretation. Failing to provide "an exact definition" can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Thus, in any context where clarity is crucial, ensuring that terms are precisely defined is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precise definition

Replaces "exact" with "precise", emphasizing accuracy and detail.

an accurate definition

Emphasizes the correctness and truthfulness of the definition.

a clear definition

Focuses on the understandability and lack of ambiguity in the definition.

a specific definition

Highlights the particularity and narrow scope of the definition.

the strict definition

Emphasizes adherence to a very narrow and uncompromising interpretation.

a rigorous definition

Suggests a definition that is thoroughly tested and strictly applied.

a formal definition

Implies a definition that adheres to established conventions and standards.

a technical definition

Highlights that the definition is specific to a particular field or discipline.

a definitive explanation

Shifts from 'definition' to 'explanation' while maintaining the sense of completeness and finality.

the accepted meaning

Focuses on a meaning that is generally agreed upon and understood.

FAQs

How do you use "an exact definition" in a sentence?

You can use "an exact definition" to emphasize the need for precision and clarity when defining a term or concept. For example, "The study requires "a precise definition" of 'sustainability' to ensure accurate data collection."

What phrases are similar to "an exact definition"?

Similar phrases include "a precise definition", "a clear definition", and "a specific definition". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the definition you want to emphasize.

Why is providing "an exact definition" important?

Providing "an exact definition" is crucial for avoiding ambiguity and ensuring that everyone understands a term in the same way. This is especially important in technical, legal, or academic contexts.

In what situations is "an exact definition" most necessary?

"An exact definition" is most necessary when discussing complex or abstract concepts, when different interpretations could lead to misunderstandings, or when accuracy is paramount. This often occurs in fields like science, law, and philosophy.