define itself.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define itself." is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something, such as a concept or entity, articulates its own meaning or characteristics. Example: "In the context of philosophy, a concept must define itself to establish its relevance and significance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Her role would define itself," he said.

The New York Times

Thankfully, Madvillain doesn't define itself against the mainstream.

The New Yorker

The foundation is currently struggling, he admitted, to define itself.

The New York Times

The Field even seems to define itself against the fair.

The New York Times - Arts

It doesn't define itself in terms of cultural battles.

The New York Times

With the end of Britpop, British music struggled to define itself.

The Guardian - Music

But it does have a renewed opportunity to define itself in its own heroic terms.

The New York Times

"Integrity, left to define itself, becomes evil because everyone ends up choosing his own standards".

The New York Times

The time has arrived for the UK as a whole to define itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Landing outside the top ten, generic-appearing Survivor struggled to define itself for audiences.

The Guardian - Film

And that show is an inconsistent mess that has been unable to define itself for years.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "define itself" when discussing the evolving nature of a role, organization, or concept, particularly when the definition is not predetermined but emerges over time through actions and interactions. For example, "The company's mission will "define itself" through its community engagement initiatives."

Common error

Be specific about how something "defines itself". Instead of saying, "The project will "define itself"," clarify: "The project will "define itself" through measurable outcomes and stakeholder feedback."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define itself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is performing the action of defining on itself. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define itself" is a versatile reflexive construction used to describe how an entity establishes its identity or characteristics, often through an evolving process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's best to provide context on how the subject is defining itself. Alternatives include "establish its identity" or "articulate its meaning", which offer slightly different nuances. In summary, "define itself" is a valuable tool for expressing emergent identities, provided that clarity and context are prioritized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-identify

A more concise verb form emphasizing the act of identifying oneself.

establish its identity

Focuses on establishing a distinct identity, emphasizing the outcome rather than the process.

articulate its meaning

Highlights the expression of meaning, shifting from overall identity to specific significance.

determine its characteristics

Emphasizes the process of identifying and setting specific attributes or traits.

shape its image

Focuses on the external perception and presentation rather than intrinsic definition.

formulate its essence

Highlights the process of creating a concise statement of core identity.

express its nature

Centers on revealing inherent qualities, differing from constructing an identity.

reveal its purpose

Shifts the focus from identity to the intended function or role.

carve out its niche

Highlights finding a unique position, differing from defining overall identity.

set its parameters

Emphasizes establishing boundaries or limits, differing from expressing identity.

FAQs

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

Use "define itself" to describe how something establishes its identity or characteristics, often through a process or evolution. For example, "The new political movement hopes to "define itself" by addressing issues that traditional parties ignore."

What are some alternatives to saying "define itself"?

You can use alternatives like "establish its identity", "articulate its meaning", or "determine its characteristics" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "define itself"?

It's appropriate when referring to a subject that is in the process of forming or clarifying its identity, rather than having a pre-defined role or purpose. Consider using "has a clear definition" or "is well-defined" if the subject already has established attributes.

What is the difference between "define itself" and "define its role"?

"Define itself" refers to establishing an overall identity or nature, while "define its role" refers specifically to determining a function or position within a system. For example, "The organization sought to "define itself" as a leader in sustainability," versus "The new department needed to define its role within the company's structure."