by definition

USAGE SUMMARY

'by definition' is a valid phrase in written English.
It is generally used to introduce an explanation of a concept in terms of its accepted definition(s). For example: "The definition of a 'platypus' is an egg-laying mammal of which there are only two species. By definition, a platypus is a fascinating creature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are, by definition, short.

The New York Times

That by definition is fraud.

Independent

Caddies, by definition, are contractors.

The Guardian - Sport

It was, by definition, indifferent".

The New York Times - Books

Rights, by definition, are individual.

The New York Times

(Humans are, by definition, contaminants).

The New Yorker

By definition they are discriminatory.

The Economist

By definition, they are chaotic.

The Economist

A celebrity by definition.

The New York Times

Outsiders by definition.

The Guardian

By definition, he's weird.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by definition" to clearly establish a point based on an agreed-upon meaning, ensuring your argument is logically sound and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "by definition" too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pedantic. Opt for simpler phrasing when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by definition" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate that the statement being made is a direct consequence of the definition of a term or concept. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by definition" is a versatile tool for emphasizing that a statement is true based on the inherent meaning of a term. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it is particularly prevalent in "news & media" and "academia", where precision and logical reasoning are important. While highly useful, avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler language may suffice. Remember that while the phrase is quite versatile and semantically stable, alternatives like "inherently" or "essentially" can add nuance to your writing, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a matter of definition

Mirrors the original phrase more closely but is slightly more formal.

by its very nature

Emphasizes the fundamental qualities that determine something.

inherently

Focuses on an essential characteristic that is part of the nature of something.

intrinsically

Highlights that something is naturally part of something.

essentially

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of something.

in its essence

Focuses on the core components or qualities of something.

ipso facto

Implies that something is a direct consequence of the stated fact.

per se

Indicates that something is considered in and of itself.

automatically

Highlights that something happens as a direct and unavoidable result.

in principle

Refers to a basic truth or theory that something is based on.

FAQs

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

Use "by definition" to introduce a statement that follows directly from the definition of a term. For example, "A square has four equal sides; "by definition", it is a type of rectangle".

What are some alternatives to saying "by definition"?

You can use phrases like "inherently", "intrinsically", or "essentially" as alternatives to "by definition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "by definition" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "by definition". For instance, "By definition, a triangle has three sides."

What is the difference between "by definition" and "in theory"?

"By definition" implies something is true based on the meaning of a term, while "in theory" suggests something should be true according to a set of principles, but might not be in practice.