define that

USAGE SUMMARY

"define that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a command or request for someone to clarify or give a definition of a specific word or concept. Example: "Can you please define that term for me? I'm not familiar with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How would he define that?

The Guardian

How would she define that difference?

The Guardian - Music

How do you define that quality?

The New York Times

How would you define that term?

The New York Times - Magazine

They refused to define that phrase.

The New York Times

Could you define that projection, that character?

The New Yorker

How does she define that boundary?

The New York Times

Although he subsequently declined to define that amount.

The New York Times

Mas, however, has been careful not to define that objective.

The Washington Post

Stanford GSB helped me to define that path.

Stanford University

Stanford GSB helped me to define that path," Colby says.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define that", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify the subject if necessary (e.g., "Define that term").

Common error

Avoid using "define that" without sufficient context. Be specific about what you want defined to ensure clarity and avoid vague or unhelpful responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define that" functions as an imperative, directly requesting clarification or a formal explanation of a specific term or concept. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in various contexts, signaling a need for precise understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define that" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to request a clear explanation or definition. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While straightforward, it’s essential to provide sufficient context when using "define that" to ensure the request is specific and easily understood. Alternative phrases, like "Could you clarify that?" or "What does that mean?", can provide varying levels of formality and directness, depending on the setting. Overall, "define that" is a valuable tool for promoting clarity and shared understanding in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Give a definition of that

A more formal way to ask for a definition.

Could you clarify that?

More polite and indirect, focusing on clarification rather than definition.

Can you explain that?

Asks for a general explanation, not necessarily a formal definition.

Explain the meaning of that

Similar to "What does that mean?" but slightly more formal.

What does that mean?

Direct question about the meaning of something.

Elaborate on that, please

Requests more detail or expansion on a topic.

Interpret that for me

Asks for an interpretation or understanding of something.

Break that down

Requests a simplified explanation.

What's your understanding of that?

Seeks personal interpretation and comprehension.

Tell me more about that

Asks for additional information, potentially including a definition.

FAQs

How do I use "define that" in a sentence?

You can use "define that" to directly ask someone to explain or clarify a specific term or concept. For example: "The speaker used the term 'quantum entanglement'. Can you "define that" for me?"

What's a more formal way to ask someone to define something?

Instead of the direct "define that", you could use phrases like "Could you "give a definition of"" or "Could you "elaborate on"", which are perceived as more polite.

What's the difference between "define that" and "explain that"?

"Define that" specifically requests a formal definition. "Explain that", on the other hand, is broader and asks for a general explanation or understanding, which may not always be a strict definition.

What can I say instead of "define that" in an informal setting?

In informal contexts, you might use "what does that mean?" or "break that down", which are more conversational and less demanding than "define that".