by common definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by common definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a widely accepted or standard meaning of a term or concept. Example: "By common definition, a 'mammal' is an animal that is warm-blooded and has hair or fur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Khadr was, by common definition, a child soldier.

The New Yorker

By common definition, the new Samsung Crest Solar is about as far from a smartphone as you can get – but if you're going somewhere where electric outlets are scarce, it's probably a smart idea to carry one.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The targets are underpinned by common definitions to ensure a unified approach.

Huffington Post

That meant that tech companies, by one common definition, occupied the four top spots in the market capitalization rankings, a rare and brief occurrence.

The New York Times

No Group of 7 economy has yet been shown to be in recession, at least by the common definition of two consecutive quarters of contraction.

The New York Times

The report does not draw the legal conclusion that the CIA's actions constituted torture, though it makes clear that in some cases they amounted to torture by a common definition, two people who have read the report said.

Los Angeles Times

By one common definition, when health differences are preventable and unnecessary, allowing them to persist is unjust (13).

Global Health Action

Research can be aligned by using a common definition, thereby avoiding misinterpretations.

Crime Science

The 1999 APS classification criteria made epidemiologic studies practical by providing a common definition for this disease.

Handbook of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

The lack of consensus could in turn possibly be explained by the lack of a common definition of ownership and by the deteriorated personal relationships between some partners.

Health Research Policy and Systems

In my view, it's the reverse: By stripping away any common definition of the proper relationship between sex and marriage, and asking every couple to essentially rebuild the institution from the ground up, he would end up piling far more weight on the marital unit than any individual relationship can be reasonably expected to bear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by common definition" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity when introducing a term or concept, especially when discussing complex topics or subjects with varied interpretations. For example, "By common definition, a recession is characterized by two consecutive quarters of economic decline."

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone shares the same "common definition". Even if a definition seems obvious, briefly clarifying it can prevent misunderstandings, especially when writing for a diverse audience. If the definition is contested, acknowledge this instead of presenting it as the only correct one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by common definition" functions as a qualifier, specifying that the subsequent term or concept is being presented according to its widely accepted or standard meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and utility in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by common definition" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to introduce a widely accepted understanding of a term. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for use in written English. Its primary function is to ensure clarity and prevent ambiguity, particularly in contexts where the term might be subject to varying interpretations. While suitable across various registers, it is particularly common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic texts, reflecting its neutrality. Remember to avoid the assumption of universally shared knowledge by briefly clarifying the concept. Consider using alternative phrases like "according to general understanding" or "as generally understood" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by standard definition

This emphasizes the adherence to a formal or official definition.

according to general understanding

This alternative emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the definition.

as generally understood

This phrase highlights the common interpretation of a concept.

in the conventional sense

This option stresses adherence to established or traditional meanings.

by popular understanding

This alternative emphasizes the public's perception of a term.

as commonly known

This highlights the widespread knowledge of a definition.

in layman's terms

This suggests simplifying a definition for a non-expert audience.

as a rule

This suggests the definition is usually accepted.

generally speaking

This emphasizes that a definition holds true in most cases.

for all intents and purposes

This phrase focuses on the practical application of a definition.

FAQs

How can I use "by common definition" in a sentence?

Use "by common definition" to introduce a widely accepted meaning of a term or concept. For example, "By common definition, a planet is a celestial body that orbits a star."

What's a synonym for "by common definition"?

Synonyms include "according to general understanding", "as generally understood", or "by standard definition".

Is it always safe to assume a "common definition" is universally known?

No, it's not always safe. Even if a definition seems obvious, briefly clarify it to avoid misunderstandings. If there are competing definitions, acknowledge them.

When is it best to use "by common definition"?

It's best to use "by common definition" when you want to establish a shared understanding of a term or concept, especially in contexts where the term might have multiple interpretations or be subject to debate.