be defined as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be defined as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're introducing a definition or describing a concept. For example, "Friendship can be defined as a special bond between two people."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let, and be defined as, where.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Let a second signal be defined as.

Stanford University

Its genre might be defined as Non-Non-Fiction (sic).

The Guardian - Books

It can broadly be defined as conservative, Islamic and autocratic.

The Guardian - Opinion

By most dictionaries, that would be defined as "winning".

The New York Times

Fiction can be defined as a coherent tissue of lies.

The New York Times - Books

None of these 1950s heroes could be defined as socialists.

The Guardian

Such practices would be defined as violations of antitrust law.

The New York Times

I want to be defined as an activist".

The Guardian - Business

Women in particular would no longer be defined as "other".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Let ĝ be defined as in (12) and (mathcal {S}) be defined as in (15).

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be defined as", ensure the definition is clear, concise, and appropriate for your target audience. Avoid circular definitions.

Common error

Avoid defining a term using language that is more complex or ambiguous than the term itself. Keep definitions accessible to your intended readership.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be defined as" functions as a defining expression. It introduces a formal or specific meaning for a term or concept. Ludwig examples show its use in scientific, academic, and general contexts to provide clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be defined as" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a definition. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage, and Ludwig's examples illustrate its prevalence across scientific, academic, and news contexts. While highly versatile, it’s best suited for formal and precise definitions, avoiding overly technical or vague language to ensure clarity for the intended audience. Alternatives like "be considered to be" or "be characterized as" offer subtle shifts in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be understood as

Focuses on interpretation rather than strict definition.

be interpreted as

Focuses on the subjective understanding or meaning attributed to something.

be considered to be

Changes the framing from a formal definition to a matter of opinion or general perception.

be characterized as

Emphasizes a description of key attributes rather than a complete definition.

be regarded as

Shifts the perspective to how something is viewed or esteemed.

be identified as

Emphasizes recognition or pinpointing of something specific.

be termed

Implies a formal naming or designation of something.

be classified as

Indicates placement within a structured categorization system.

be known as

Highlights common recognition rather than a precise definition.

be labeled as

Highlights the act of assigning a specific designation.

FAQs

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

Use "be defined as" to introduce a formal definition. For example, "Photosynthesis can "be defined as" the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy".

What are some alternatives to "be defined as"?

Alternatives include "be considered to be", "be understood as", or "be characterized as", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to use "is defined as" or "be defined as"?

"Is defined as" is used when referring to a specific instance, while "be defined as" is used more generally. For example, "This term is defined as X" vs. "The concept can "be defined as" Y".

When should I avoid using "be defined as"?

Avoid using "be defined as" when a more informal or descriptive explanation is sufficient. In those cases, using phrases like "means" or "is when" may be more appropriate.