as defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"as defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a definition or specific meaning of a term or concept. Example: According to Merriam-Webster, a "metrosexual" is a heterosexual male who spends a significant amount of time and money on his appearance and lifestyle, as defined by popular culture.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

criteria as defined by bank.

The Economist

as defined by the International Labour Organisation.

The Guardian

Drawing, as defined here, isn't authorship.

The New York Times - Arts

That's as defined as mush.

The Guardian - Opinion

Medaglia d'Oro's status isn't quite as defined.

The New York Times - Sports

Smith: You're not as defined in L.A.

The New York Times

What are "retronyms," as defined by the author?

The New York Times

What is "intelligent design," as defined by the article?

The New York Times

"Conservative," as defined here, is often not the best approach.

The New York Times

The social web as defined by entreprenuers.

TechCrunch

As defined by Eqs.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as defined", ensure that the definition you are referring to is clear and accessible to your audience. Cite the source of the definition if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "as defined" without providing context or reference to where the definition can be found. This can leave your audience confused about the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as defined" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the source or origin of a definition. It indicates that the meaning of a term or concept is being presented according to a particular authority or established understanding. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as defined" is a versatile phrase used to introduce or clarify a definition, ensuring precision and avoiding ambiguity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in science, news media, and formal business settings. While grammatically correct and frequently employed, remember to provide sufficient context or reference the source of the definition for clarity. Alternatives like "according to the definition of" or "by definition" may be suitable depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to the definition of

This alternative is more explicit, specifying that the definition comes from a particular source.

by definition

This alternative is more concise, implying that the definition is inherent to the term itself.

in accordance with the definition

This alternative is more formal, emphasizing adherence to a specific definition.

as stipulated

This alternative is most suitable when referring to something that has been formally agreed or specified in a document or contract.

as per the definition

This alternative is commonly used, borrowing from legal and formal language but applicable in less official contexts too.

specifically

This alternative emphasizes the precise nature of what follows, implying a definition is being provided.

namely

This alternative introduces a specification or definition by name.

that is to say

This alternative introduces a clarification or restatement of a concept, similar to providing a definition.

in other words

This alternative introduces a simplified or rephrased explanation of a concept, functioning like a definition.

to put it another way

This alternative is a more conversational way to introduce a rephrasing or definition.

FAQs

How can I use "as defined" in a sentence?

You can use "as defined" to refer to a specific definition of a term, for example: "A 'retronym', "as defined" by the author, is a neologism created because an older term has become ambiguous."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as defined"?

Alternatives include phrases like "according to the definition of", "by definition", or "in accordance with the definition", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it necessary to cite the source when using "as defined"?

While not always mandatory, citing the source when using "as defined" enhances clarity and credibility, especially in academic or formal writing. If a term has multiple definitions, specifying which one you are using is crucial.

What's the difference between ""as defined"" and "by definition"?

"As defined" usually refers to a specific definition provided elsewhere, while "by definition" implies that the meaning is inherent or universally understood. For example, "A square, by definition, has four equal sides," versus "A 'metrosexual', as defined by the dictionary, is a heterosexual male...".