define as

USAGE SUMMARY

"define as" is absolutely correct and very commonly used in written English.
It is used when you want to provide a definition of a word or concept. For example: The term "justice" can be defined as the quality of being just and fair.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An alternative to taking ∼ and ∨ as primitive is to take ∼ and · as primitive and to define as ∼, to define as ∼, and to define as before.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And I am very specific about what I define as "hooky".

The New York Times

What do you define as "musical trash"?

The Guardian

ARIEL LEVY: Depends what we define as "unfair".

The New Yorker

"It went way beyond what we define as self-defence.

The Guardian

Appalachian music – driven by guitars, banjos and fiddles – wasn't as straightforward to define as I thought.

The Guardian - Travel

"He was what I'd define as the most male chauvinist of feminists.

The Guardian

I am a bit lost about what we define as mannish now.

The New York Times - Style

"This group of individuals we would not define as a terrorist group," Brennan said.

The Guardian

Craft ale has become difficult to define as its popularity has grown.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Most people here would self-define as geeks".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "define as" to provide clarity and precision when introducing the meaning of a term or concept in your writing. Ensure the definition is accurate and relevant to the context.

Common error

Be careful not to use the term being defined within its own definition. This creates a circular argument and fails to provide a clear understanding of the term's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define as" functions as a definitional verb phrase. It is used to introduce or specify the meaning of a term or concept. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in formal definitions and contextual explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define as" is a versatile and frequently used expression for specifying the meaning of a term or concept. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it serves to provide clarity and precision across a variety of contexts. Predominantly featured in science, news, and encyclopedic content, it maintains a generally neutral to formal tone. When using "define as", ensure your definition avoids circularity and aligns with the intended context. Alternatives such as "establish as" or "identify as" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish as

Focuses more on setting something as a standard or recognized entity.

identify as

Highlights the act of recognizing or classifying something.

determine as

Emphasizes the process of concluding or deciding something's nature or meaning.

characterize as

Focuses on describing the qualities or features that define something.

interpret as

Focuses on explaining the meaning or significance.

stipulate as

Suggests a formal agreement or condition regarding the definition.

construe as

Emphasizes a particular interpretation or understanding.

designate as

Implies a formal assignment or naming of something.

consider as

Indicates a subjective view or opinion in defining something.

view as

Suggests a specific perspective or way of regarding something.

FAQs

How can I use "define as" in a sentence?

You can use "define as" to clearly state the meaning of a term or concept, for example: "We can "define as" a lack of state persecution."

What are some alternatives to "define as"?

Some alternatives include "establish as", "identify as", or "determine as", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to "define as" when using a technical term?

While not always necessary, defining technical terms upfront ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity, particularly when writing for a diverse audience or when the term has multiple interpretations.

What's the difference between "define as" and "defined as"?

"Define as" is used to introduce a definition, while "defined as" is used when referring to a definition that has already been established or is generally accepted.