clearly defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"clearly defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that a concept, description, rule, or boundary is easy to understand or make out. For example: "The rules of the game were clearly defined, so it was easy to keep track of who was winning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can it be clearly defined?

The New York Times

So it's not clearly defined.

The Guardian - Music

Leadership must be clearly defined.

Harvard Business Review

Is your project clearly defined?

The Guardian

That clearly defined mission never materialized.

The New York Times

Our responsibilities will be more clearly defined.

The New York Times

But "clean" has never been clearly defined.

The New York Times

"There are clearly defined areas of competence.

The Guardian

The purpose of women was clearly defined.

The Guardian - Arts

First you need a clearly defined proposition.

The Guardian

Coasting schools aren't a clearly defined category.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clearly defined", ensure the context provides specific details that support the claim of clarity. Avoid vague assertions without concrete examples.

Common error

Avoid using "clearly defined" when the subject is open to interpretation or lacks specific criteria. Be prepared to provide evidence or examples that demonstrate the definition's clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearly defined" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that something is easily understood or precisely outlined. Ludwig AI validates this use, noting its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, as shown in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clearly defined" is a grammatically correct and very common adjective phrase used to describe something that is easily understood and precisely outlined. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to emphasize a lack of ambiguity, and its usage spans across various contexts including news, science, and formal business settings. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overstating clarity without providing supporting details. Related alternatives include phrases such as "well-defined" and "precisely outlined". Ultimately, when you use "clearly defined", ensure the context backs up the claim with specific details and examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-defined

Emphasizes the quality of being thoroughly and precisely defined.

precisely outlined

Focuses on the exactness and detail of the description.

explicitly stated

Highlights that the information is directly and unmistakably expressed.

unequivocally expressed

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the communication.

distinctly delineated

Emphasizes the clear separation and marking of boundaries.

unambiguously specified

Indicates that the details are laid out without any room for misinterpretation.

accurately depicted

Focuses on the truthfulness and precision of the representation.

plainly articulated

Highlights the simplicity and clarity of the expression.

readily understandable

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be comprehended.

easily grasped

Focuses on how easily something can be understood or learned.

FAQs

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

You can use "clearly defined" to describe something that is easy to understand and has specific boundaries or characteristics. For example, "The project goals were "clearly defined", making it easier for the team to stay on track".

What are some alternatives to "clearly defined"?

Alternatives include "well-defined", "precisely outlined", or "explicitly stated" depending on the context.

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

When something is "clearly defined", it means that its characteristics, boundaries, or meaning are easily understood and not ambiguous. There is no room for misinterpretation.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "clearly defined"?

It is appropriate to use "clearly defined" in contexts where you want to emphasize the absence of ambiguity or the presence of a precise explanation or boundary. This includes describing rules, goals, roles, and responsibilities.