define with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “define with” is not a valid part of a sentence in English.
Instead, you could use a phrase like “defined by” or “defined as”. For example, you could say, “The word ‘success’ is defined as achieving a goal or a desired outcome.”.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gender itself is difficult to define, with a mix of social, medical and individual interpretations.

The Guardian

Rule 404 employs terms that are difficult to define with precision.

The New Yorker

As Alter told me, "I didn't define with her what 'a few' meant".

The New Yorker

I think you can communicate larger issues in a concert than you can define with words".

The New York Times - Arts

It is not a success that one can define with a simple formula.

The New York Times - Magazine

What that power is, it is difficult to define with sharp precision.

Cornell University

"I want to define with Algeria a strategic partnership on an equal-to-equal basis.

The New York Times

The several councils mentioned in Talmudic literature are equally difficult to define with any precision.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He has symptoms, and really, they're hard to define with him," said Glen Sather, the Rangers' president and general manager.

The New York Times - Sports

To his credit, he circles his subject in eloquent detail without ever attempting to define with any finality what lies at the heart of Morrison's songwriting.

The Guardian - Books

If the objective is too unclear to define with respect to the data, try to create intermediate results to help your teams be more effective.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, substitute "define with" with more precise alternatives such as "define using", "define in terms of", or "define by means of" to enhance grammatical accuracy and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "define with" in academic or professional contexts. Often, it is more grammatically sound and clearer to use phrases like "defined by" or "defined as" for better precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define with" is used to describe the act of defining something in conjunction with another element. However, its grammatical correctness is questionable, as noted by Ludwig, which suggests it's not a standard English construction. Examples from Ludwig suggest a variety of contexts, often where more precise language might be preferred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "define with" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI indicates that it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. The phrase aims to link the act of defining to a specific method or context. However, it's advisable to replace it with more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "define using", "define in terms of", or "define by", especially in formal writing. Despite its common usage, opting for grammatically correct alternatives will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define using

This alternative focuses on the method or instrument employed in the definition.

define by means of

This alternative emphasizes the tool or process through which something is defined.

define in relation to

This emphasizes the definition as it is affected by its connection with something else

define in terms of

This alternative emphasizes using specific conditions or aspects to explain or make clear the definition of a concept

establish with

This alternative indicates the starting or creation of something in conjunction with something else, differing subtly from a strict definition.

specify by

This focuses on providing detailed and exact information for a definition or description

characterize with

This option centers on describing key attributes, offering a descriptive rather than definitive approach.

determine with

This alternative relates to discovering or establishing something alongside another element.

elucidate through

This alternative emphasizes the idea of making something more clear, offering a detailed approach.

stipulate with

This alternative relates to explicitly demanding or specifying a condition as part of an agreement

FAQs

What can I say instead of "define with"?

You can use alternatives like "define using", "define in terms of", or "define by means of" depending on the context.

Is "define with" grammatically correct?

While "define with" appears in numerous sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It is better to use alternatives like "defined by" or "defined as".

How can I use "define with" correctly in a sentence?

It's generally advised to avoid "define with" in formal writing. If you intend to express the tool or method of definition, use "define using" or "define by means of".

What's the difference between "define with" and "defined by"?

"Define with" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "Defined by" indicates that something is explained or characterized by something else, making it a more accurate and standard phrasing.