define it as

USAGE SUMMARY

"define it as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are explaining or providing a definition for a certain concept, word, or phrase. For example: The term "transcendent" has many different meanings, so let's define it as "existing, occurring, or operating outside the normal realm of physical experience or perception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(I would define it as enough to let you live well without having to work anymore).

The New York Times

I define it as when employees leave feeling more connected, valued, and fulfilled.

Harvard Business Review

Let's define it as 'P'.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

In this paper, we define it as follows.

Boundary Value Problems

Most people (and the dictionary) define it as punishment.

Huffington Post

Its luxury competitors define it as grand architecture and décor and obsequious service.

Harvard Business Review

Others define it as sorrow with dignity.

The Guardian - Music

Hoffman liked to define it as horror for thinking people.

The Guardian

"I would define it as a betrayal of state security".

The New York Times

Some people define it as a form of racism.

The Guardian

Mathematically we define it as the infinite curvature of spacetime.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define it as", ensure that the definition you provide is clear, concise, and appropriate for your audience. Avoid jargon or overly technical language if you are writing for a general audience.

Common error

Avoid defining something so broadly that the definition becomes meaningless. A good definition should be specific enough to distinguish the term from related concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define it as" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a definition or explanation of a concept or term. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It is commonly found in sentences where the speaker or writer is providing a specific meaning or interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "define it as" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce definitions or explanations. As Ludwig AI points out, it is correct and usable in written English and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While its register can vary, it is generally considered neutral to formal. When using this phrase, clarity and conciseness are key to ensuring effective communication. Alternatives such as "establish it as" or "identify it as" can be used to add nuance. Remember to avoid overly broad definitions to maintain precision. "Define it as" serves as a crucial tool for establishing shared understanding and facilitating clear communication in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Identify it as

Highlights the act of recognizing and categorizing something.

Determine it as

Implies a process of investigation or consideration before defining.

Label it as

Focuses on giving something a specific name or classification.

Establish it as

Focuses on setting something in a particular role or position.

View it as

Emphasizes a particular perspective or interpretation.

Classify it as

Emphasizes the act of putting something into a specific category.

Characterize it as

Emphasizes describing the qualities or features of something.

Interpret it as

Highlights the act of explaining or understanding the meaning.

Designate it as

Focuses on formally assigning a specific role or label.

Consider it to be

Suggests a more thoughtful and subjective assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "define it as" to introduce a formal definition or to explain your understanding of a term. For example, "Let's "define it as" the process of assigning meaning to a concept".

What are some alternatives to "define it as"?

Alternatives include "establish it as", "identify it as", or "characterize it as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

No, you can also use "define it as" to provide a working definition or a personal interpretation, especially when discussing abstract or subjective concepts.

What's the difference between "define it as" and "describe it as"?

"Define it as" implies providing a specific and often formal meaning, while "describe it as" suggests offering a more general and descriptive account. Describing ("describe it as") focuses on characteristics, whereas defining focuses on core meaning.