by the term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by the term' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when introducing a definition or specific meaning of a term. For example: "By the term 'bigamy', we mean the act of having two simultaneous spouses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bronson appears befuddled by the term.

The New Yorker

What is meant by the term "paparazzi"?

The New York Times

What is meant by the term "retrovolve"?

The New York Times

What is meant by the term "classless crowd"?

The New York Times

The argument encapsulated by the term goes roughly as follows.

The New Yorker

What is meant by the term "propaganda war"?

The New York Times

Maybe our trouble is caused by the term capitalist itself.

The New York Times - Magazine

What is meant by the term 'foreign aid'?

The New York Times

What is meant by the term "intelligent design"?

The New York Times

We must not therefore become confused by the term "network".

The Guardian - Opinion

–What is meant by the term "cultural imperialism"?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the term" to clearly introduce a definition or specific meaning, especially in academic, scientific, or technical writing. Ensure the term being defined is clearly identified and the definition is accurate and contextually appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "by the term" when you actually intend to express a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, don't say "The problem was exacerbated by the term 'inflation'" if you mean the term itself caused the exacerbation; instead, rephrase to clarify the causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the term" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for a definition or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound. Examples show it's commonly used to clarify the meaning of specific words or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the term" is a versatile introductory phrase used to clarify the meaning of a specific word or phrase. It's grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. As observed by Ludwig, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When employing "by the term", ensure you clearly define the term you're introducing and that the definition fits the context. Avoid confusing it with causal expressions, and consider alternatives like "using the expression" or "referred to as" for variety. This precise usage helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

using the expression

Emphasizes the act of employing a particular phrase or wording.

under the definition

Focuses on the formal or established meaning of something.

in the context of

Highlights the surrounding circumstances that influence a term's interpretation.

as defined by the word

Highlights the precise definition offered by a specific word.

designated as

Indicates a formal or official assignment of a term or label.

known as

Focuses on the common or recognized name of something.

referred to as

Highlights the act of mentioning or alluding to something by a specific term.

described as

Focuses on providing a characterization or explanation using certain terminology.

termed as

Implies a more formal or technical naming convention.

labeled as

Indicates the act of assigning a specific name or category to something.

FAQs

How can I use "by the term" in a sentence?

Use "by the term" to introduce or define a specific word or phrase, for example, "By the term 'artificial intelligence', we refer to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines".

What are some alternatives to using "by the term"?

You can use alternatives such as "using the expression", "referred to as", or "defined as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as defined by the term" instead of "by the term"?

While "by the term" is a concise way to introduce a definition, "as defined by the term" is also correct and can provide a slightly different emphasis, highlighting that the definition comes directly from the term itself. Both are grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "by the term" and "in terms of"?

"By the term" is used to introduce a definition. "In terms of" is used to specify a perspective or aspect being considered. For example, you would say "By the term 'algorithm', we mean..." but "In terms of efficiency, the algorithm is superior".