definition of insanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definition of insanity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a concept or idea related to mental health, behavior, or a common saying about repeating the same actions and expecting different results. Example: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(a)Definition of insanity.

Cornell University

What's that popular culture definition of insanity?

University of California, Berkeley

Addiction memoirs often illustrate this same definition of insanity.

The New York Times - Books

(This happens to have been Gould's definition of insanity.

The New Yorker

The definition of insanity was continuing to fix the fix.

The New Yorker

"Do you know the definition of insanity?" he asked.

The New York Times

The definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing and expecting a different result".

The New Yorker

Prosecutors had maintained that Ms. Yates failed to meet the state's definition of insanity.

The New York Times

"It's the definition of insanity," he said of his previous party loyalty.

The Guardian

Einstein's definition of insanity was making the same mistakes over and over again.

The Guardian

Doing the same thing and expecting different results is Einstein's definition of insanity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Attribute the popular definition, 'doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results', carefully. While often attributed to Einstein or Franklin, its true origin is uncertain.

Common error

Be cautious about attributing the saying 'doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results' definitively to Albert Einstein or Benjamin Franklin. While widely associated with them, there's no concrete evidence they originated it. Acknowledge it as a popular saying instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definition of insanity" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the explanation or meaning of the state of being insane. This is evident in Ludwig, where it is often used as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definition of insanity" is commonly used to explore the meaning and implications of insanity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It's most often encountered in News & Media and Academia. A prevalent, although potentially misattributed, concept associated with this definition is 'doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results'. When using this phrase, clarity in context is essential, whether you're referring to a legal, medical, or colloquial understanding of the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insanity defined

Focuses on the act of defining insanity itself, rather than a specific definition.

the meaning of insanity

Replaces "definition" with "meaning", emphasizing understanding rather than a formal definition.

what constitutes insanity

Shifts the focus to the elements or factors that make up insanity.

legal definition of insanity

Specifies the context of the definition as pertaining to legal matters.

medical definition of insanity

Specifies the context of the definition as pertaining to the medical field.

the concept of insanity

Emphasizes the abstract idea rather than a specific definition.

characteristics of insanity

Focuses on the traits and attributes associated with insanity.

symptoms of insanity

Highlights the observable indicators of insanity.

criteria for insanity

Focuses on the standards or rules used to determine insanity.

description of insanity

Replaces "definition" with "description", implying a more general explanation.

FAQs

What is the popular saying associated with the "definition of insanity"?

The popular saying associated with the "definition of insanity" is often attributed to Albert Einstein or Benjamin Franklin and states, 'Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results'.

Is it accurate to attribute the saying 'doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results' to Albert Einstein?

While the saying 'doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results' is commonly attributed to Albert Einstein, there is no definitive evidence to confirm he originated it. It's best to present it as a widely known saying.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "definition of insanity"?

You can use alternatives such as "insanity defined", "the meaning of insanity", or "what constitutes insanity" depending on the context.

How does the legal "definition of insanity" differ from the everyday understanding of the term?

The legal "definition of insanity" often involves specific criteria related to a person's ability to understand the nature and consequences of their actions or to distinguish between right and wrong. This can differ significantly from the everyday understanding of insanity, which may be broader and less precise.