best defines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best defines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the most accurate or appropriate definition of a term or concept. Example: "The term 'sustainability' is best defined as the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Who in your view best defines 2013, and why?

The Guardian - Opinion

Creativity is the word that best defines Wild Ginger.

The New York Times

It's the THP 200, preferably in top trim, that best defines the DS4.

Independent

The word that best defines a Chado Ralph Rucci collection is "noble".

The New York Times

Use the KFS object code that best defines how the activity should be recorded by WCM.

Cornell University

Object that best defines him: There's a whole wall of the house covered with all my pots.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Personally, I think it is best defined as autobiografiction.

The Guardian - Books

Self-similarity is the best defining property of fractals.

Quantitative Finance for Physicists An Introduction

The United Nations is a crucible of complexity, best defined by the paradoxes that surround its identity.

The New York Times - Arts

What can be best defined as tokenistic support was made available to staff.

The Guardian

Love, real love for another person, is best defined by the psychiatrist and writer M Scott Peck.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "best defines", ensure that the subject being defined is clearly understood in the context. Provide enough information so the definition is meaningful and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "best defines" when multiple valid definitions exist. Acknowledge other perspectives or nuances to avoid oversimplifying complex concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best defines" functions primarily as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the most accurate or representative definition of a subject. Ludwig AI shows that it's often used to pinpoint the core characteristic or essence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "best defines" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the most accurate or representative definition of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While it's generally neutral in register, leaning towards professional, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overstating the uniqueness of the definition. Alternatives like "most accurately describes" or "most clearly explains" can be used to add nuance. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "best defines" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most accurately describes

Focuses on descriptive precision rather than definition.

most clearly explains

Emphasizes clarity and understanding rather than a formal definition.

primarily characterizes

Highlights the main attribute that distinguishes the subject.

chiefly identifies

Focuses on the core identifying feature.

essentially represents

Emphasizes the fundamental essence or representation.

quintessentially embodies

Highlights the ideal or perfect example.

fundamentally captures

Focuses on capturing the underlying nature.

accurately reflects

Highlights how well something mirrors or portrays something else.

is best understood as

Suggests an interpretation or way of understanding.

is most appropriately termed

Emphasizes the correctness of a specific term.

FAQs

How can I use "best defines" in a sentence?

Use "best defines" to indicate which description most accurately represents something. For example, "The term 'sustainability' "is best defined as" the ability to meet current needs without compromising future generations".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "best defines"?

You can use alternatives like "most accurately describes", "most clearly explains", or "primarily characterizes" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Which is correct, "best defines" or "is best defined as"?

"Best defines" is used to describe what something does, while ""is best defined as"" is used to provide a definition. For example, "Creativity best defines the artist's work" versus "Creativity is best defined as the use of imagination or original ideas".

How formal is the phrase "best defines"?

The phrase "best defines" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in academic papers, news articles, and everyday conversations.