better define

USAGE SUMMARY

"better define" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that the current definition of something needs to be improved or clarified. Example: "The term 'sustainability' is often used loosely, so let's better define it for our company's purposes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It then asks you to better define your job.

The New York Times - Tech

Before we set off, we had better define some terms.

Princeton University

What I think we should do is better define what harassment means.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And if you want to hold on to it, then you better define it differently".

The New York Times

Rather, the goal was to better define the party's views in relation to its rivals.

The New York Times

The first step toward picking that one is to better define the 315.

Stanford University

We also discussed plans to add stone dust next week to better define the park's pathways.

Yale University

What have you done to help better define the difference between a want and a need?

The New York Times

Many laboratory studies have been performed to better define degradation mechanisms and rates.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

In this study, we attempt to better define the disorder.

Duke University

By helping nonprofits better define their needs and connecting with organizations that can fulfill those needs.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better define", ensure that you identify what aspect of the current definition needs improvement. Be specific about the desired outcome of the improved definition.

Common error

Avoid using "better define" without specifying how the definition should be improved. Simply stating that something needs to be better defined without providing direction is unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better define" functions as a verb phrase that suggests a need for improvement or clarification of an existing definition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

24%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better define" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies the need to improve or clarify an existing definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia. When using "better define", remember to clearly specify the area needing refinement. Alternatives like "refine the definition" or "clarify the meaning" can be used depending on the specific context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "better define" to promote clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refine the definition

Focuses on making the existing definition more precise and accurate.

clarify the meaning

Emphasizes making the meaning easier to understand, removing ambiguity.

specify more precisely

Highlights the act of being more exact and detailed in the definition.

establish a clearer definition

Stresses the creation of a definition that is easier to understand.

improve the understanding

Centers on enhancing comprehension of a concept rather than just the definition.

elucidate the concept

Implies a more thorough and insightful explanation.

provide a more accurate definition

Highlights the need for a definition that is free from error.

give a better explanation

Offers a broader approach by suggesting an improved explanation rather than a strict definition.

develop a more comprehensive definition

Suggests creating a more complete and inclusive definition.

redefine

A shorter, more direct synonym suggesting a complete overhaul of the existing definition.

FAQs

How can I use "better define" in a sentence?

You can use "better define" to suggest improving the clarity or accuracy of a term or concept. For example, "We need to better define our target audience" or "Scientists are working to better define the symptoms of the disease".

What is an alternative to "better define"?

Alternatives include "refine the definition", "clarify the meaning", or "specify more precisely", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "better define" or "define better"?

"Better define" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Define better" is less idiomatic and can sound awkward in many contexts.

What's the difference between "better define" and "redefine"?

"Better define" suggests improving an existing definition, while "redefine" implies creating a new definition altogether.