being defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of establishing the meaning or characteristics of something. Example: "The term 'sustainability' is being defined in various contexts, including environmental, economic, and social dimensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'Socialism' kept being defined downwards".

The New Yorker

It was being defined by our competitors".

The New Yorker

How is abuse being defined?

Harvard University

He similarly disliked being defined by genre.

The Guardian - Books

"It's being defined by the F.B.I.

The New York Times

But India chafed at being defined by these ideologies.

The New York Times

Being defined as immoral and evil is just for starters.

The Guardian

"Everything about the company was being defined by others".

The New York Times

Mr. O'Byrne's duties were still being defined, the spokeswoman said.

The New York Times

"Like him, I'm not too interested in being defined.

The Guardian

Plato and Socrates insisted on all terms being defined.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being defined" when you want to emphasize the ongoing or evolving nature of a definition, rather than a static or completed one.

Common error

Avoid using "being defined" excessively in passive constructions where the actor is omitted. Instead, consider restructuring the sentence to highlight the defining agent for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being defined" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating an ongoing process of assigning meaning or characteristics. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being defined" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate that something is currently undergoing a process of definition or characterization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often found in neutral contexts across news, scientific, and academic domains. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overuse in passive constructions and ensure clarity regarding the defining agent. Alternatives such as "being characterized" or "being determined" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively utilize "being defined" to convey evolving or contested meanings with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being characterized

Focuses on describing the qualities or attributes of something, shifting from a formal definition to a descriptive assessment.

being determined

Emphasizes the act of establishing or deciding something definitively, moving away from the interpretive aspect of definition.

being identified

Highlights the process of recognizing or establishing what something is, particularly in terms of its distinct features.

being labeled

Implies assigning a specific category or classification, often suggesting a more simplified or potentially limiting description.

being portrayed

Focuses on how something is represented or depicted, especially in media or art, rather than its intrinsic definition.

being understood

Shifts the emphasis to comprehension and interpretation, highlighting how something is perceived by others.

being considered

Suggests that something is currently under evaluation or assessment, implying an ongoing process of defining its nature or value.

being shaped

Emphasizes the active process of influencing or molding something, suggesting a more dynamic and malleable definition.

being interpreted

Highlights the subjective nature of assigning meaning, where understanding may vary based on individual perspectives.

being perceived

Focuses on how something is viewed or regarded by others, emphasizing the role of sensory experience and individual judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "being defined" to indicate that something is currently in the process of having its characteristics or meaning established. For example, "The term 'artificial intelligence' is "being defined" by experts in the field".

What are some alternatives to "being defined"?

Alternatives include "being characterized", "being determined", or "being labeled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "being defined" or "is defined"?

"Being defined" suggests an ongoing process, while "is defined" implies a completed definition. Choose "being defined" when the definition is still evolving or under discussion, and "is defined" when the definition is established.

How does the context affect the meaning of "being defined"?

The context influences who or what is doing the defining, and the criteria being used. For example, in science, "being defined" may involve empirical evidence, while in art, it may involve aesthetic interpretation.