broad definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad definition" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when referring to a definition that is not specific or exact. For example: "This topic has a broad definition, which includes a range of possibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's using a broad definition of unemployment.

The Guardian - Opinion

A broad definition of gossip would include the news.

The Guardian - Tech

A pretty broad definition, and this display bears it out.

The New York Times - Arts

The school applies a broad definition of homelessness.

The Guardian

Does one's own stoop fall within this broad definition?

The New York Times

He has a broad definition of a puppet.

The New Yorker

Breakfast had a pretty broad definition at the Olympics.

The Washington Post

Moreover, the study used a very broad definition of caregiving.

The New York Times

Secondly, we need a broad definition of personal data.

The New York Times

The ruling rejects the broad definition of terrorism advanced by government lawyers.

The Guardian

Meanwhile six hospitals have declared "major incidents" (which admittedly have a broad definition under NHS guidance).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "broad definition", ensure the context clarifies the scope and limits of the definition to avoid ambiguity. Providing examples can further enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on a "broad definition" without providing specific criteria or examples, as this can lead to misinterpretations and a lack of practical application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad definition" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'broad' modifies the noun 'definition'. According to Ludwig AI, it’s correct and can be used in written English. It's commonly used to describe concepts that encompass a wide range of possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad definition" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that signifies a definition encompassing a wide range of possibilities. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's useful when referring to a definition that isn't specific. As shown by the examples from Ludwig, it appears frequently across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the scope and limitations of the definition. Be mindful of potential ambiguity and provide examples to enhance understanding. Alternatives include "inclusive definition" or "general definition" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide-ranging definition

Emphasizes the extensive scope of the definition.

inclusive definition

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the definition.

general definition

Focuses on the lack of specificity in the definition.

loose definition

Implies a less strict or precise interpretation.

comprehensive definition

Suggests a thorough and complete explanation, even if not highly specific.

liberal definition

Indicates a more open or permissive interpretation.

sweeping definition

Emphasizes the extensive and encompassing nature of the definition.

expansive definition

Stresses the wide-ranging nature of the definition.

non-specific definition

Directly points out the lack of precision in the definition.

extended definition

Highlights that definition goes beyond a traditional scope.

FAQs

How can I use "broad definition" in a sentence?

You can use "broad definition" to describe a concept that encompasses a wide range of possibilities. For example, "The term 'family' has a "broad definition", including both traditional and non-traditional family structures."

What's a good alternative to using "broad definition"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "inclusive definition", "general definition", or "wide-ranging definition" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use a "broad definition" or a specific one?

The choice depends on the context. A "broad definition" is useful when you want to be inclusive, while a specific definition is better when precision is needed. Consider your audience and purpose when making this decision.

What are the implications of using a "broad definition"?

Using a "broad definition" can lead to greater inclusivity and flexibility, but it can also create ambiguity and make it harder to establish clear boundaries. It's important to weigh these trade-offs carefully.