defines me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defines me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing aspects of your identity, personality, or values that are significant to you. Example: "My passion for helping others truly defines me and shapes my career choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sonya Chowdhury, CEO at Action for ME, says: "The Equality Act defines ME as a disability, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against students who have it.

The Guardian

So community service defines me.

The New York Times

The idea defines me still.

The New Yorker

But music is not what defines me.

Independent

"It's not something that defines me.

Independent

My creativity is what defines me.

The Guardian

"It defines me and it always will," he says.

The Guardian - Music

It begins, "Faith doesn't just influence me; it defines me".

The New York Times

But no one individual vote, quote, or statement defines me, my beliefs, or my record.

The New York Times

They say 55 percent of what I post online defines me".

The New York Times

"It's not who I am underneath but what I do that defines me," he says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defines me" to express a core part of your identity or character. It's effective when highlighting what's most important to you. For example, "My work ethic truly defines me."

Common error

Avoid using "defines me" to describe fleeting interests or temporary situations. It's better suited for enduring qualities rather than, for example, "Reality TV defines me."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defines me" functions as a declarative statement that ascribes a particular quality, characteristic, or activity as being essential to one's identity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defines me" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to communicate a core aspect of one's identity. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for conveying what someone considers essential about themselves. While versatile, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts, and its register is typically neutral to informal. When writing, remember that "defines me" is most impactful when referring to enduring qualities rather than fleeting interests. Consider using alternatives like "is fundamental to who I am" or "shapes my identity" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fundamental to who I am

This phrase highlights that something is a basic and essential aspect of one's character.

is central to my identity

This alternative uses a more direct and common way to express that something is a key part of who someone is.

is integral to my character

This suggests that something is an essential component of one's personality.

shapes my identity

This suggests that something actively influences and molds one's sense of self.

is what I'm all about

This alternative uses a more informal and emphatic way to express what is central to one's identity.

is what makes me, me

This is a more colloquial way of saying that something is uniquely characteristic of oneself.

is at the core of my being

This phrase uses more formal and philosophical language to indicate something fundamental to one's existence.

is a defining characteristic of mine

This alternative focuses on identifying a specific trait that is particularly noticeable or significant.

is the essence of my being

This phrase uses more poetic language to emphasize the core of one's existence.

is the thing I most identify with

This emphasizes the personal connection and sense of alignment with a particular aspect or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "defines me" in a sentence?

Use "defines me" to express a core aspect of your identity or character. For example, you might say, "My commitment to social justice "defines me"."

What are some alternatives to "defines me"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is fundamental to who I am", "shapes my identity", or "is central to my identity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "defines me" or "is a part of me"?

Whether to use "defines me" or "is a part of me" depends on the context. "Defines me" suggests a core, essential aspect, while "is a part of me" implies a contributing element but not necessarily a defining one.

Can I use "defines me" in formal writing?

Yes, "defines me" can be used in formal writing, but ensure the tone is appropriate. In some cases, a more formal alternative like "is fundamental to my character" might be preferable.