broadly defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "broadly defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It implies that while something may have a specific definition, it can also encompass a range of meanings or interpretations that are not as strictly defined. For example, you could say "The term 'social media' is broadly defined and can refer to many different types of websites."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's "reality" broadly defined.

The New York Times - Arts

This can be broadly defined.

The Economist

And "games" are broadly defined.

The New York Times

Electronic sound was broadly defined.

The New York Times - Arts

"Works" in this stage is broadly defined.

The New York Times

Broadly defined, yoshoku means "Western food".

The New York Times - Travel

For the human spirit, broadly defined?

The New Yorker

Its main industry is tourism entertainment, broadly defined.

The New Yorker

"The real threat is international terrorism broadly defined".

The New York Times - Sports

But their real target is globalisation, broadly defined.

The Economist

These include public education, unions, the welfare state broadly defined, international trade regulations and so on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broadly defined", ensure the context clarifies the boundaries of the definition. Providing examples or elaborating on the included elements can enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "broadly defined" without providing any specific parameters or examples. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity, leaving the audience unsure of the actual scope of the definition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broadly defined" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner in which something is defined. It specifies that the definition is inclusive and not limited to a strict interpretation, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broadly defined" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a flexible or inclusive definition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across a variety of contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. When using "broadly defined", it's important to provide context and examples to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "generally speaking" or "loosely interpreted" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "broadly defined" to communicate the scope and boundaries of a term or concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in broad terms

Indicates a simplified explanation without going into detail.

loosely interpreted

Implies a more flexible and less strict understanding of a rule, law, or concept.

in its widest sense

This alternative emphasizes the maximum possible scope of the definition.

in a general sense

This phrase suggests that the statement is a simplified, non-specific version of the truth.

generally speaking

This alternative indicates that a statement is true in most cases, but not necessarily in every detail.

for the most part

Indicates that a statement is mainly true, though exceptions may exist.

in many respects

Suggests that the similarities outweigh the differences within the definition.

by and large

Suggests that something is true in general but not necessarily in every instance.

on the whole

Implies that the statement is generally accurate when considering all aspects.

more or less

This alternative indicates approximation and acknowledges minor inaccuracies.

FAQs

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

You can use "broadly defined" to indicate that a term or concept has a wide range of interpretations. For instance, "'Innovation' is "broadly defined" in business research literature" indicates that the term encompasses various applications of knowledge and methods.

What are some alternatives to "broadly defined"?

Alternatives to "broadly defined" include "generally speaking", "loosely interpreted", or "in broad terms". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "broadly defined" or "narrowly defined"?

Neither is inherently better; the choice depends on the context. "Broadly defined" is suitable when a flexible interpretation is intended, while "narrowly defined" is appropriate when precision and specificity are required.

What does it mean when something is "broadly defined"?

When something is "broadly defined", it means its definition is inclusive and encompasses a wide range of possibilities, interpretations, or applications. It suggests flexibility and a lack of strict boundaries in understanding the term.