defined to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defined to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in technical or formal contexts to specify the parameters or conditions under which something is defined. Example: "In this document, the term 'efficiency' is defined to mean the ratio of useful output to total input."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Al Gore comes out of the convention much more clearly defined to people.

The New York Times

He argued it should be more closely defined to bribery or kickbacks.

The Guardian - Business

The bill outlaws "discrimination in compensation," which is broadly defined to include wages and employee benefits.

The New York Times

The Falconer bill has been narrowly defined to increase its chances of success.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their messages must be more sharply defined to win souls.

The Economist

Time is defined to be t.

Robotics and Biomimetics

Array is defined to store vehicle coordinates.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Only 4.7% were defined to have CM.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

A global Damköhler number was defined to remove parametric dependency.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Nonlinear factor is defined to describe nonlinear flow characteristics.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

The objective function is defined to minimize the thickness variations.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defined to", ensure the definition is clear, concise, and appropriate for the context. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what is defining what.

Common error

Avoid using "defined to" with overly broad or vague terms that lack specific parameters. A clear and precise definition is essential for effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defined to" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a formal or explicit definition of a term, concept, or variable. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, including science and news, confirming its versatile application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defined to" is a versatile verb phrase most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts. Ludwig's examples indicate its primary function is to provide formal or explicit definitions, ensuring clarity and precision. While Ludwig AI finds the phrase grammatically correct, it's important to maintain clarity and avoid overly broad definitions. Related phrases like "specified as" or "designated as" can be useful alternatives depending on the specific nuance required. When employing "defined to", aim for concise, unambiguous language to effectively communicate the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specified as

Focuses on detailed and explicit instruction or condition that has been clearly stated.

designated as

Highlights the formal assignment of a role or function.

stipulated to

Emphasizes a formal or legal requirement, differing from the general act of defining.

termed as

Emphasizes the use of specific terminology.

meant to

Implies purpose or intention, often less formal than "defined to".

understood as

Focuses on interpretation or common perception rather than a formal definition.

characterized by

Shifts the focus to describing inherent qualities, rather than a formal definition.

labeled as

Indicates categorization or naming, often in a less precise manner than "defined to".

intended for

Highlights purpose rather than explicit definition.

considered to be

Suggests an evaluation or judgment, moving away from a strict definition.

FAQs

How to use "defined to" in a sentence?

Use "defined to" when you want to explicitly state the meaning or scope of a term or concept. For example, "In this context, 'success' is "defined to" mean achieving specific, measurable goals."

What can I say instead of "defined to"?

You can use alternatives like "specified as", "designated as", or "stipulated to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "defined to be" or "defined as"?

Both "defined to be" and "defined as" are acceptable, but "defined as" is generally more concise and common. "Defined to be" might be used when the definition involves a more elaborate explanation.

What's the difference between "defined to" and "meant to"?

"Defined to" implies a formal or explicit definition, whereas "meant to" suggests purpose or intention. Use "defined to" when clarifying the precise meaning of something.