definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "definition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the precise meaning of a word or phrase. For example, "The definition of 'conundrum' is a confusing question or problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is an essential seminar for managers and leaders looking for a practical definition of big society and how it will work within local government.

The Guardian

It takes your source and a special.travis.yml build definition from your public repo, runs the build on a build engine, and reports the high level result.

The Guardian

"I know for a fact that the people behind the report insisted the definition of rape be restricted to women," he says, adding that one of the RLP's donors, Dutch Oxfam, refused to provide any more funding unless he'd promise that 70% of his client base was female.

The Guardian

italrest.com, from $40 a night This is pretty much the definition of off-the-beaten-track perfection, at the end of a pot-holed lane that peters away into a dirt track overlooking a deserted cove.

The Guardian - Travel

The definition of elected officials here includes everyone from mayors (Boris Johnson) to MSPs, with the exception of local councillors.

The Guardian

That may sound simple, but the slippery definition of affordable housing has shifted yet again.

The Guardian - Opinion

The court of appeal found the alleged conduct surrounding Tilley's crash did not fall within Icac's definition of corrupt conduct.

The Guardian

In one corner, Abbas was overseeing the hanging of his atmospheric black-and-white prints of human shadows, while in another the young South African artist Mikhael Subotzky was fine-tuning the colour definition on his video and sound projection.

The Guardian - Arts

"But innovation by its very definition means you don't know where it's going to end".

The Guardian

Although Lovefilm, like Netflix, has also branched into film downloads, it believes the DVD has many years to run as the "medium of choice", with fresh impetus from new high definition formats.

The Guardian - Business

And a passage in Brown's party conference speech was explicitly critical of the crude meritocracy which had been his predecessor's definition of a good society.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "definition", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a formal, dictionary-style definition or a more general explanation or understanding of something.

Common error

Don't use "definition" loosely to refer to any description; reserve it for instances where a precise meaning or scope is being established. Use other phrases like "explanation" or "characterization" for less formal descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "definition" is that of a noun. It refers to the statement of the exact meaning of a word or concept, or the act of stating such a meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Arts

6%

Books

7%

Opinion

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "definition" functions primarily as a noun, serving to establish clarity and precision in understanding various concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, notably in news media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While alternatives like "meaning" or "explanation" exist, "definition" specifically denotes a formal and exact statement. Writers should aim for clarity and precision when using "definition", ensuring it aligns with formal statements rather than broad descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Denotation

Focuses on the explicit or direct meaning of a word or term, similar to but more technical than "definition".

Meaning

This term denotes the significance or denotation of something, differing from "definition" by being more concise.

Interpretation

Focuses on explaining or understanding something, rather than precisely defining it.

Explanation

This emphasizes the process of clarifying or describing something, as opposed to giving a precise definition.

Interpretation

Emphasizes understanding or explaining something, not necessarily providing a precise definition.

Conceptualization

Stresses the formation of a concept or idea, not necessarily its explicit definition.

Specification

Highlights the act of detailing or identifying something precisely, similar to but more specific than a definition.

Characterization

Involves describing the qualities or peculiarities of something, rather than its strict definition.

Essence

Refers to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, differing from a formal definition.

Connotation

Focuses on the implied or suggested meaning of a word or term, different from the strict meaning of "definition".

FAQs

How is "definition" used in a sentence?

You can use "definition" to refer to the meaning of a word, concept, or term. For example, "The "definition" of 'irony' is the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect."

What are some alternatives to the word "definition"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "meaning", "explanation", or "interpretation" instead of "definition".

What is the difference between "definition" and "explanation"?

"Definition" typically refers to a precise and formal statement of meaning, while "explanation" involves a broader description or clarification of something.

Is there a legal "definition" of "definition"?

The legal "definition", like any other term, depends on the specific legal context in which it is used and interpreted by courts.