defined for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defined for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where a term, concept, or function is specified or clarified for a particular purpose or audience. Example: "The variable is defined for all values of x greater than zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That would be happiness defined for me.

The New York Times - Magazine

This category could be defined, for example, by G20 membership.

The Guardian - Opinion

How do you see luxury defined for Zegna?

The New York Times

This group needs to be isolated and defined for what it is.

The New York Times

As saceur, Clark defined for himself a role with unprecedented latitude.

The New Yorker

The game was 20 seconds old and already the night had been defined for the Knicks.

The New York Times - Sports

Was it Amartya Sen's Development as Freedom that defined for you what development means?

The Guardian

Bill Clinton's Presidency was defined, for the most part, by criminal and congressional investigations.

The New Yorker

Somebody once defined for me the difference between a Cosmo girl and a Glamour girl.

The Guardian

It has been defined, for good reason, by conflict, repression, famine, terrorism and piracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

She never defined for anyone what constituted a competitive race.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defined for", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being defined and for whom or what it is being defined. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "defined for" without a specific context. Instead of saying 'This is defined for everyone', specify the group or purpose: 'This rule is defined for all employees to ensure safety'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defined for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase clarifying the scope or applicability of a term, concept, or function. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to specify the intended audience, purpose, or context for which something is valid or relevant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defined for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the intended scope, audience, or purpose of a concept, term, or rule. As confirmed by Ludwig, it maintains grammatical correctness and is prevalent across various domains, including science, news media, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "specified for" or "intended for" may suit different contexts, the primary function of clarifying and delimiting remains consistent. Remember to use it with specific context and avoid over-generalization. Its frequency and consistency across authoritative sources make it a valuable addition to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specified for

Indicates something is explicitly stated for a particular use.

designated for

Implies something is officially assigned or intended for a specific purpose.

intended for

Suggests a purpose or plan for which something is meant.

tailored for

Highlights that something is specifically adapted to meet particular needs.

suited for

Emphasizes the appropriateness or fitness of something for a given situation.

designed for

Implies a deliberate creation with a specific function in mind.

reserved for

Indicates that something is set aside exclusively for a certain use or group.

meant for

Suggests an inherent purpose or destiny.

adapted for

Indicates modification to fit a specific requirement.

applicable to

Highlights the relevance of something in a particular context.

FAQs

How can I use "defined for" in a sentence?

Use "defined for" to clarify the scope or applicability of a term, concept, or rule. For example, 'The term is defined for the purposes of this study' or 'These functions are defined for specific user roles'.

What's a good alternative to "defined for"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "specified for", "designated for", or "intended for".

Is it more formal to say "defined for" or "intended for"?

"Defined for" generally carries a more formal tone, often used in technical or legal contexts. "Intended for" might be more appropriate in less formal settings.

How does the meaning of "defined for" change in different contexts?

The core meaning remains consistent—something is being clarified or delimited for a specific purpose. However, the nuance can shift; in science, it might refer to a precise parameter, while in law, it might refer to the scope of a regulation.