commonly understood definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonly understood definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a definition that is widely recognized and accepted by a majority of people. Example: "In legal contexts, it is important to refer to a commonly understood definition of terms to avoid ambiguity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As one Pentagon handbook put it, "one can be led astray by relying on the generic or commonly understood definition of a particular word".

The New Yorker

Michelin's stars are now a commonly understood definition of restaurant quality and, in this celebrity chef era, the publication of a new guide is a media event.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most words have a commonly understood definition, but "illegal" is different.

Huffington Post

Similarly, "fusion gene" is another misnomer for CGs because the commonly understood definition of a fusion gene is a hybrid gene formed from two previously separate genes that occurs as the result of a translocation, interstitial deletion, or chromosomal inversion.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For RPIs to be systematically delivered via these services, a commonly-held, widely-accepted and understood definition of relapse prevention would be needed.

BMC Health Services Research

The parallel drawn was that YACHT's original Facebook post described being hacked and having a video of their private sexual activities distributed without their consent, something commonly understood as the definition of revenge porn.

Vice

Given these potentially contradictory definitions, future research needs to identify and clarify definitions of optimism and pessimism as commonly understood in different areas of the world.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Different knowledge fields have come up with divergent definitions of coping, but it is commonly understood as a temporary survival strategy that is adopted in a given context of responding to climate variability and extremes (Dercon 2002; Pelling 2011).

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Martha Stewart was never indicted for the crime for which she was originally investigated — insider trading — because prosecutors couldn't be confident that her decision to sell shares in a drug company after her broker told her the chief executive was selling his shares met the legal definition of insider trading as it's commonly understood in criminal law.

The New York Times - Books

The family is not downsizing as commonly understood.

The Guardian

The filibuster is an affront to commonly understood democratic norms, but then so is the Senate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "commonly understood definition", ensure that the definition you are referencing is indeed widely accepted to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a definition is "commonly understood" without verifying its widespread acceptance, especially in specialized fields or diverse cultural contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly understood definition" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase that describes a noun. It specifies the kind of definition being referred to, indicating that it's one that is generally or widely accepted. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commonly understood definition" is grammatically sound and serves to emphasize that a particular definition is widely accepted and recognized. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. While its usage is relatively rare, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure the definition truly is widely understood to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like ""generally accepted definition"" or "widely recognized definition" can be used for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally accepted definition

Focuses on broad acceptance rather than understanding.

widely recognized definition

Emphasizes recognition and awareness.

standard definition

Highlights adherence to a norm or standard.

conventional definition

Stresses traditional or established understanding.

prevailing definition

Indicates the most current or dominant interpretation.

popular definition

Focuses on widespread usage among the general population.

typical definition

Highlights the usual or representative interpretation.

basic definition

Refers to the fundamental or simplest explanation.

accepted interpretation

Shifts focus to the act of interpreting rather than a formal definition.

shared understanding

Emphasizes mutual agreement and comprehension.

FAQs

What does "commonly understood definition" mean?

A "commonly understood definition" refers to an explanation of a term or concept that is widely recognized and accepted by a majority of people.

How can I use "commonly understood definition" in a sentence?

You might say, "For legal clarity, it's crucial to rely on the "generally accepted definition" of 'contract'."

What is a good alternative to "commonly understood definition"?

Alternatives include "widely recognized definition", "standard definition", or "conventional definition", depending on the specific context.

Why is it important to use a "commonly understood definition"?

Using a "commonly understood definition" promotes clarity and avoids confusion, ensuring that everyone involved shares the same basic understanding of the topic or term.