as a rough definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a rough definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide an approximate or general explanation of a term or concept without going into precise details. Example: "As a rough definition, a smartphone is a mobile phone that includes advanced features like internet connectivity and applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Which could serve as a rough definition of sophisticated satire — an endangered literary form if ever there was one.

The New York Times - Books

(That would work as a rough definition of both the genre of science fiction and an entire wing of the Republican Party).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Several encounters with shows presented as Tonalist have produced a rough definition.

The New York Times

A rough definition would be "the description and explanation of the operation of machines" (Knorr, Oxford Classical Dictionary, ed. 3, s.v).v

SEP

For the constructive empiricist, this characterization is "not meant as a definition, but only as a rough guide to the avoidance of fallacies" (van Fraassen 1980, 16).

SEP

This rough definition makes clear that preference is a comparative attitude; it is one of comparing options in terms of how desirable/choice-worthy they are.

SEP

**** By our rough definition, consumer companies = e-commerce + audience business models; enterprise companies = Software as a Service + Enterprise business models.

TechCrunch

As a rough rendering of what the term instinct means to most people, this definition still has merit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The difficulty in choosing a model for heritability H makes it hard to devise an unambiguous definition for H. Thus, any estimate of predictive accuracy should be taken only as a rough indication of precision.

BMC Genomics

The definitions of alienation given above powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, cultural estrangement, social isolation, and self-estrangement can self-estrangement can guide becauserveere can be radically different conlyptions of the ideaswithin any one of the categorough

Encyclopedia Britannica

West described it as "a rough draft".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a rough definition" when you want to provide a quick and easily understandable explanation without getting bogged down in technical details.

Common error

Avoid presenting a rough definition as a complete or authoritative explanation. Always acknowledge its limitations and encourage further exploration for a more detailed understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a rough definition" primarily functions as an introductory device. It signals that the following explanation is a simplified or approximate understanding of a term or concept. Ludwig examples show it setting expectations for a non-exhaustive explanation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a rough definition" is a phrase used to introduce a simplified or approximate explanation of a term or concept. It is grammatically correct and primarily functions as an introductory device, signaling that the following explanation is not exhaustive. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for providing general understanding, particularly in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, clarify that the definition is not complete and encourage further exploration for a more detailed understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a basic definition

Replaces "rough" with "basic", indicating a simpler or more fundamental explanation.

as a working definition

Suggests a definition that is practical and can be used for a specific purpose, rather than being precise.

in broad terms

Conveys the idea of describing something generally without detailed specifics.

in general terms

Similar to "in broad terms", but emphasizes the generality of the explanation.

as a general explanation

Highlights that the description is not precise, but rather a general overview.

as an approximate definition

Uses "approximate" to emphasize that the definition is not exact.

for the sake of simplicity

Introduces a simplified explanation, often omitting complexities.

in simple terms

Indicates an explanation that avoids jargon and complex language.

by way of a basic explanation

A more formal way of introducing a simple or fundamental explanation.

to put it simply

Signals a simplification of a more complex concept.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "as a rough definition"?

Use "as a rough definition" when you want to provide a simplified, introductory explanation of a concept without getting into all the details. It's suitable for overviews and summaries.

What are some alternatives to "as a rough definition"?

You can use alternatives like "in broad terms", "in general terms", or "as a basic definition" to convey a similar meaning.

How does "as a rough definition" differ from a precise definition?

"As a rough definition" offers a general understanding, while a precise definition provides a detailed and comprehensive explanation. The former is less formal and may lack specific details.

Can I use "as a rough definition" in academic writing?

Yes, but with caution. Clearly indicate that it's a simplified explanation and not a definitive one. Provide more rigorous definitions later in your writing.