define unique

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define unique" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to clarify what is meant by the term "unique" in a specific context. For example, "Please define unique in the context of this discussion." Alternative expressions include "explain unique" and "clarify unique."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

These mixtures unambiguously define unique oxygen chemical potentials under isothermal and isobaric conditions.

Electrochimica Acta

This requires local level planning teams to define unique long-term management strategies, including the identification of social, economic, and environmental objectives and allowable harvest levels.

Forest Plans of North America

Some dictionaries, like Merriam-Webster, now also define unique as "extraordinary," although Merriam-Webster does say that this "common usage is still objected to by some". Include us in the ranks of the "some" (although we're not as impassioned as the New York Times book reviewer who called this usage of unique an "indefensible outrage!").

Harvard Business Review

In this study, we define unique antigen panels to map HIV-1 vaccine-elicited antibody breadth and durability.

Duke University

This also allows marketers and advertisers to define unique value points to target audiences in a more personal and effective way.

Forbes

PSTRS14 includes a standard beam section library; however, the user can define unique and non-standard shapes and properties of beams.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

This study defines unique structural and functional properties for ZF4.1R.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

His specialty is leading teams to synthesize complex ideas and focus on defining unique problem statements to produce simple solutions.

Cornell University

Additionally, we examine how the Hedgehog, WNT, and BMP signaling pathways contribute to defining unique epithelial features along the cephalocaudal axis of the GI tract.

Developmental Biology

Effects of SDN are discussed by defining unique features of SDN like decoupling hardware from the software and the global view of the whole network architecture.

Procedia Computer Science

To test our hypothesis, we first defined unique T-helper cell determinants on 1007 (clade B) and UG92005 (UG, clade D) gp140 envelope proteins delivered by DNA vaccination.

Vaccine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "define unique", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the defined subject distinct. Provide specific attributes or criteria that highlight its uniqueness to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "define unique" when simply "define" suffices. The word 'unique' inherently implies distinctiveness, so explicitly stating "define unique" can sometimes be redundant. Consider if emphasizing the uniqueness is truly necessary for your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define unique" functions as a verb phrase, where "define" acts as the verb and "unique" as its object complement. It expresses the act of establishing or clarifying the distinct characteristics of something. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

13%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define unique" is grammatically correct and commonly used to highlight the distinctive characteristics of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, from science and academia to news and business. While the term "unique" inherently implies distinctiveness, using "define unique" can emphasize specific qualities. Remember to use the phrase when emphasis is important but avoid redundancy by using "define" alone. Consider alternatives such as "characterize uniquely" or "establish as unique" to diversify your language. It's a versatile phrase that serves to clarify and emphasize the special attributes that set something apart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterize uniquely

Focuses on the act of characterizing something in a way that distinguishes it from others, where 'characterize' replaces 'define'.

uniquely specify

Emphasizes the act of specifying something in a way that is distinct, where 'specify' replaces 'define'.

determine uniquely

Focuses on the act of determining something in a way that is unique, where 'determine' replaces 'define'.

establish as unique

Highlights the act of establishing something as being unlike anything else, where 'establish' replaces 'define' and the structure is slightly altered.

identify as unique

Emphasizes the act of identifying something as distinct, where 'identify' replaces 'define'.

delineate uniquely

Focuses on the act of delineating or outlining something in a way that is distinct, where 'delineate' replaces 'define'.

distinguish uniquely

Emphasizes the act of distinguishing something in a unique manner, highlighting its distinctiveness.

pinpoint uniquely

Focuses on the act of precisely identifying something as unique, adding a layer of precision.

ascertain as unique

Emphasizes the act of finding something out for certain as unique, focusing on discovery.

stipulate as unique

Highlights the act of specifying something as unique within a particular context or agreement.

FAQs

What does "define unique" mean?

To "define unique" means to specify the characteristics that make something different from everything else. It's about clarifying what sets a particular item or concept apart.

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

You can use "define unique" when you need to specify particular characteristics of an item, concept, etc, for example: "The study aims to "define unique" signatures for different types of cancer."

What are some alternatives to "define unique"?

Alternatives include "characterize uniquely", "uniquely specify", or "establish as unique". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "define unique"?

While "unique" inherently means one of a kind, using "define unique" can emphasize the specific, distinct qualities being outlined. However, ensure it's not unnecessarily repetitive in your context; sometimes, "define" alone is sufficient.