define definitionally

USAGE SUMMARY

"define definitionally" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the act of defining something in terms of its definition or essential characteristics. Example: "To understand the concept, we must define definitionally what it means to be 'sustainable'." Alternative expressions include "define in terms of," "define in a definitional manner," and "define by definition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

define ____

The New Yorker

Define "human," define "animal".

The New Yorker

Define "loyalty," define "truth".

The New Yorker

Define "time," define "space".

The New Yorker

"Define life".

The New York Times

Define it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Define weird".

The New York Times

"Define chippy".

The Guardian

They define progress.

Independent

They define a moment.

Independent

"How to define atrocities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "define definitionally" when you need to specify that a concept is being identified purely through its logical boundaries or essential characteristics.

Common error

Do not pair this phrase with other adverbs that mean the same thing, such as 'define definitionally and inherently'. Choose the most precise term to maintain concise writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define definitionally" functions as a verb phrase where the adverb "definitionally" modifies the verb "define" to specify a self-referential or essentialist methodology. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is valid for high-level semantic analysis.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig AI indicates that while the specific bigram "define definitionally" is rare in common corpora, it is a grammatically sound and meaningful construction in English. It is primarily used to denote the act of identifying a concept based strictly on its inherent definition. Ludwig's data highlights that while no exact matches were found in the provided snippet set, related terms like "definitionally impossible" and "definitionally dry" are frequent in high-authority sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker. This suggests the adverb is part of a sophisticated vocabulary used by experts. The construction is most effective in formal or philosophical writing where semantic precision is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define by definition

Uses a prepositional phrase for a more traditional and widely recognized structure

define inherently

Emphasizes that the definition is built into the nature of the object itself

define per se

Utilizes a Latin loanword to indicate defining something by its own intrinsic nature

define essentially

Focuses on the core essence rather than the strictly literal linguistic definition

define fundamentally

Highlights the foundational aspects of the definition

characterize definitionally

Changes the verb to focus on description and traits rather than formal naming

explain definitionally

Shifts the focus from the act of naming to the process of clarification

formalize definitionally

Suggests a more rigorous or technical establishment of meaning

describe in terms of its definition

Provides a more verbose and explicit explanation for general audiences

set a definitional standard

Frames the act as establishing a rule or benchmark for future reference

FAQs

How to use "define definitionally" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a precise method of identification, such as: 'To resolve the debate, we must "define definitionally" what constitutes a breach of contract.'

What can I say instead of "define definitionally"?

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

Is "define definitionally" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct as the adverb 'definitionally' properly modifies the verb 'define' to describe the manner in which the definition is being applied.

What is the difference between "define" and "define definitionally"?

While 'define' is the general act of providing meaning, "define definitionally" emphasizes that the meaning is derived strictly from the formal definition or the internal logic of the term itself.