defines with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defines with" is not standard in written English and may lead to confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are trying to indicate the manner or method of defining something, but it is not commonly used. Example: "The term 'sustainability' defines with a focus on environmental impact and social responsibility."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It provides a common vocabulary for a domain (e.g., climate change) and defines, with different levels of formality, the meaning of terms and the relationships between them.

Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology

Apoptosis generally defines with specific morphological characterizations, including cell shrinkage, nuclear or cytoplasmic fragmentations, chromatin condensation and formation of dense bodies that are phagocyted by neighboring cells [ 43].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lids are defined with taupe shadow.

The New York Times

It was rarely defined with precision.

The Guardian - Sport

He is obsessed with turf, with right and wrong narrowly defined, with male codes, male lingo.

The New Yorker

"Fit" is defined with a specific ecological niche in mind.

The Economist

Lashes are defined with Cover Girl LashExact Mascara in Very Black.

The New York Times

Darkness defined with striking lighting can transform an ordinary place into something with a design identity.

The New York Times - Food

But the momentum had become unstoppable, defined with the historic rapprochement of Pink Floyd.

The Guardian

Gender itself is difficult to define, with a mix of social, medical and individual interpretations.

The Guardian

I think you can communicate larger issues in a concert than you can define with words".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, avoid using the phrase "defines with". Opt for more conventional constructions like "defines by" or "defines in terms of" to ensure grammatical correctness and ease of understanding.

Common error

Avoid substituting "defines with" for more standard phrases like "defines by" or "defines in terms of". Using "defines with" can introduce ambiguity and make your writing appear less polished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defines with" attempts to link the act of defining to a means or method, but it is not a standard grammatical construction. Ludwig AI highlights its non-standard nature. The intended function is to specify how a definition is established.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defines with" is grammatically non-standard and rarely used. Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect. Although examples can be found in scientific and news contexts, it's advisable to opt for clearer and more conventional alternatives such as "defines by" or "defines in terms of". These alternatives ensure grammatical correctness and improve clarity in writing. When aiming for precision and credibility, especially in formal or scientific contexts, avoiding "defines with" is best practice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defines by

This alternative uses a preposition that is more grammatically conventional with "defines".

defines in terms of

This alternative provides a more specific indication of how something is being defined.

is defined by

Using the passive voice makes the sentence flow more naturally and grammatically correct.

is characterized by

This alternative shifts the focus to characterizing something rather than strictly defining it.

is determined by

This suggests that the definition is based on certain factors or conditions.

is specified through

This alternative emphasizes the method or means by which something is defined.

is delineated by

This alternative suggests a clear boundary or outline in the definition.

is understood as

This focuses on the interpretation or comprehension of the definition.

is expressed via

This alternative highlights the means through which the definition is articulated.

is known as

This indicates a common or recognized definition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "defines with" to sound more natural?

Instead of "defines with", consider using phrases like "defines by" or "defines in terms of". These alternatives are more grammatically sound and commonly used.

Is "defines with" grammatically correct?

The phrase "defines with" is not considered standard English. It's better to use alternative constructions like "is defined by" to maintain grammatical correctness.

What's the difference between "defines with" and "defines by"?

"Defines by" is a more conventional and grammatically accepted way to express how something is defined. "Defines with" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers. Using "defines by" ensures clarity and correctness.

When is it appropriate to use "defines with"?

While not generally recommended, "defines with" might be used in very specific contexts where you want to emphasize the instrument or method used in defining something. However, it's usually clearer to use "defines by" or rephrase the sentence entirely.