define themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

"define themselves" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to describe or establish one's own identity, values, or goals. Example: The teenagers were encouraged to define themselves and their personal beliefs through journaling and self-reflection.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"They're trying to define themselves.

The Guardian

Men rarely define themselves relationally.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also define themselves differently.

The New York Times

Most humans define themselves by their tribe.

Independent

Nobody should define themselves by their failures.

Independent

It's a way to define themselves".

The New York Times

Nowadays, "classes define themselves by their means of consumption".

The New York Times - Books

They define themselves wholly negatively, by what they are against.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, they define themselves in opposition to people like him.

The New Yorker

Newcomers like Fox had to define themselves versus CNN.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's something for 'real' men to define themselves against.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define themselves", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific aspects of identity, values, or goals are being defined. For example, "They define themselves by their achievements" is more specific than "They define themselves."

Common error

Avoid using "define themselves" without providing context or specifics. Overgeneralization can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. Always specify what aspects of themselves are being defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of defining is directed back to the subject. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in expressing how individuals or groups establish their identities, values, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "define themselves" is a grammatically correct and very common reflexive verb phrase used to describe how individuals, groups, or organizations establish their identities, values, or goals. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It serves the purpose of expressing self-perception and presentation to the world. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to use the phrase with sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "establish their identity" or "determine their character" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish their identity

Focuses on the act of creating or setting up a distinct identity.

determine their character

Emphasizes the process of deciding on and shaping one's moral or personal qualities.

shape their persona

Highlights the crafting of a public image or the outward aspects of their identity.

formulate their self-image

Stresses the creation of a mental picture of oneself.

articulate their values

Highlights expressing fundamental beliefs and principles.

express their individuality

Focuses on showing what makes them unique.

portray their nature

Highlights depicting their inherent qualities or disposition.

reveal their essence

Focuses on making known the core of their being.

show their true colors

Emphasizes revealing one's genuine personality, often unintentionally.

understand their being

Focuses on the act of comprehending one's existence and nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "define themselves" to describe how individuals, groups, or even organizations establish their identity. For example, "Teenagers often "define themselves" through their hobbies and interests".

What are some alternatives to "define themselves"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "define themselves" include "establish their identity", "determine their character", or "shape their persona".

Is it correct to say "defining themselves" instead of "define themselves"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they have different usages. "Define themselves" is the base form, used in general statements or with modal verbs, while "defining themselves" is the present participle form, used in continuous tenses (e.g., "They are defining themselves") or as a gerund.

What's the difference between "define themselves" and "identify themselves"?

"Define themselves" implies shaping and establishing an identity, while "identify themselves" suggests recognizing and declaring an existing identity or affiliation. For example, someone might "define themselves" as an artist, but "identify themselves" as a member of a community.