defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about describing something in detail or establishing a clear meaning. For example: "The parameters of the job role were carefully defined in the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Alternative Comedy Experience was launched, he defined its appeal by stating that "the comedians on this show do not wake up thinking, 'How can I develop something that will appeal to people in marketing?'" When it was cancelled, the consolation, he told one interviewer, was that "now there's some really good footage of great acts out there".

The Guardian

And good, of course, is in the eye of the beholder, defined by humans.

The Guardian - Money

Those agencies follow a defined oversight chain, detailing who in the executive branch can approve intelligence operations and who in the legislature must be informed about them.

The Guardian

While better-educated men in the UK are also more likely to drink a hazardous amount (defined as a weekly consumption of 21 units or more for men, or 14 or more for women) than their less-educated counterparts, the difference is much more pronounced for women.

The Guardian

Categories of RTBF requests/requesters that are accepted or presumptively accepted (e.g., health information, address or telephone number, intimate information, information older than a certain time) and how those categories are defined and assessed.

The Guardian - Tech

O'Donnnell said: "The one thing we need to be aware of is people thinking that what Nick Clegg said last time constituted an iron law that only the biggest party, somehow defined either by seats or votes, gets to have the first say.

The Guardian

I think there will be an absolutely, rigidly defined piece of legislation that safeguards the actions of doctors if they perform an abortion to save the life of the mother.

The Guardian

In general, spaces between men and women, especially in public, are defined as distant.

The Guardian

Related: Charles Kennedy, former leader of Liberal Democrats, dies aged 55 He was defined politically by the Iraq war as much as any other event, just as it defined its principal protagonists, Bush and Blair.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the English and Welsh battleground constituencies – defined as those with a Tory majority of up to 15 points, or a Labour advantage of no more than 10 points – the poll found the opposition running well ahead.

The Guardian

He says the role of the police was clearly defined.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defined", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being defined and by what criteria. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "defined" solely in passive constructions (e.g., "it was defined"). Actively state who or what is doing the defining to make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The term was defined as...", write "Researchers defined the term as...".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "defined" is to act as the past participle of the verb define, indicating a completed action of establishing the meaning or boundaries of something. It can also function as an adjective, describing something that has clear and distinct characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "defined" functions as a past participle and adjective, commonly used to express clarity and precision across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and highly usable term in written English. It is particularly frequent in news, formal business, and scientific domains. To ensure effective communication, clearly specify what is being "defined" and by what criteria. Consider alternatives such as "specified", "established", or "determined" based on the specific context. Avoiding over-reliance on passive voice will enhance the directness and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specified

Focuses on making something explicit or detailed, similar to defining but emphasizes precision.

established

Highlights the act of setting up or creating something firmly, akin to defining parameters.

determined

Emphasizes the act of firmly deciding or concluding something, much like defining a conclusion.

delimited

Focuses on setting boundaries or limits, similar to defining the scope.

characterized

Highlights the unique attributes that define a subject or idea.

identified

Focuses on recognizing or pointing out what something is, linking to its definition.

clarified

Emphasizes the act of making something clearer or easier to understand, a key aspect of defining.

outlined

Focuses on providing a summary or a general description, which helps in defining the main points.

described

Highlights the act of giving details about something, contributing to its overall definition.

designated

Emphasizes assigning a specific role, function, or identity, similar to defining a purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "defined" in a sentence?

You can use "defined" to indicate that something has been clearly described or its boundaries have been set. For instance, "The project scope was clearly defined" or "Success was defined by achieving specific milestones".

What are some alternatives to using "defined"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "specified", "established", or "determined". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "well-defined" or "clearly defined"?

Both "well-defined" and "clearly defined" are acceptable, but "well-defined" often implies a more thorough and complete definition, while "clearly defined" emphasizes ease of understanding. Choose the one that best fits the specific context.

What's the difference between "defined" and "identified"?

"Defined" implies setting out the meaning or boundaries of something, whereas "identified" suggests recognizing or pointing something out. For example, a problem can be identified, but a solution is defined.