define your terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define your terms" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking someone to clarify the meanings of specific words or concepts they are using. For example, "Before we proceed, please define your terms regarding the project scope." Alternative expressions include "clarify your terminology" and "explain your definitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Define your terms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Well, how do you define your terms?

The Guardian

Before you can discuss the how of macaroni cheese you must define your terms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before categorising the language as dead or alive, Latinists might argue the need to define your terms.

The Guardian

Today, it's probably less than a dozen, depending on how wide you cast your net and define your terms.

The Washington Post

So I was a particular kind of person with what we call our skip friends – " OK, OK, before we go any further, define your terms.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

If you do not recognise these as "harms" please define your term.

The Guardian - Opinion

You might also start out with information by defining your terms so that the audience can better understand and more effectively engage.

Forbes

By defining your terms and becoming more familiar with the topic--becoming an amateur expert on it, in fact--you'll be more informed when you get to the much more technical kinds of sources you'll need to use for your supportive research.

WikiHow

Define your own terms.

WikiHow

Sort of like my loyalty to the Jets. 1. Define your long-term goals.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate this phrase when you notice two parties are using the same word to mean different things, which is a common source of unproductive conflict.

Common error

Do not use "define your terms" simply to stall a conversation or to annoy an opponent by demanding definitions for common, universally understood words. It should be used for genuinely complex or contested concepts like "success", "justice", or specialized industry jargon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define your terms" functions primarily as an imperative verb phrase. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears as a foundational directive or a necessary prerequisite for logical discourse. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to anchor a discussion by establishing a shared vocabulary.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "define your terms" is a vital linguistic tool for clear and effective communication. Ludwig AI demonstrates that it is widely accepted and frequently used by top-tier publications to advocate for clarity before engaging in deep discussion. Whether in a scientific paper or a business meeting, using this phrase helps build a solid foundation for any argument. By following the advice of Ludwig and ensuring your terminology is well-defined, you avoid common pitfalls of miscommunication and enhance the professional quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clarify your definitions

Uses more formal vocabulary to request specific meanings of words.

Explain your terminology

Focuses specifically on the technical or specialized language being used.

Establish your parameters

Common in scientific or project-based contexts to set boundaries.

Specify your meanings

A more direct way of asking for precision in semantics.

State your premises

Focuses on the underlying logical foundations of an argument.

Clarify your language

A broader, slightly less formal way to ask for better communication.

Define your objectives

Shifts the focus from vocabulary to goals and intended outcomes.

Determine your scope

Often used in management to define the extent of a project.

Outline your concepts

A broader request for a general framework rather than specific words.

Standardize your terms

Suggests making terminology consistent across a whole document or team.

FAQs

How to use "define your terms" in a sentence?

You can use it as a direct command or as part of a conditional statement, such as "Before we argue about ethics, we must <a href="/s/define+your+terms" target="_blank" rel="alternative">define your terms so we are on the same page."

What can I say instead of "define your terms"?

You can use alternatives like "<a href="/s/clarify+your+definitions" target="_blank" rel="alternative">clarify your definitions", "<a href="/s/explain+your+terminology" target="_blank" rel="alternative">explain your terminology", or "<a href="/s/specify+your+meanings" target="_blank" rel="alternative">specify your meanings" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "define your terms" or "define your goals"?

Both are correct but have different meanings; "<a href="/s/define+your+terms" target="_blank" rel="alternative">define your terms" refers to language and vocabulary, while "<a href="/s/define+your+goals" target="_blank" rel="alternative">define your goals" refers to objectives and outcomes.

Is "define your terms" formal or informal?

It is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, frequently appearing in academic, legal, and professional environments where precision is critical.