definition of it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definition of it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to specify the meaning of a particular term or concept. An example would be: "The definition of it is crucial for understanding the topic." Alternative expressions include "meaning of it" and "explanation of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hmmm, I think "having it all" is possible if you understand what your definition of "it all" is.

HuffPost

Russell's theory is best thought of as providing a contextual elimination of the definite description, not a contextual definition of it.

SEP

"He's probably the definition of it.

The New York Times - Sports

What is the scientific definition of it ?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I'm loathe to get into a musical definition of it.

The Guardian

There are children involved, they want the definition of it".

The New York Times

Click on a header to open the definition of it in the glossary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Politics is something that we can all understand, that is the fucking definition of it".

The Guardian - Books

Old age is perplexing to imagine in part because the definition of it is notoriously unstable.

The New Yorker

But innocence is hard to gauge, and to each his or her own definition of it.

The New Yorker

Compassion is not a part of nursing, it is the definition of it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the pronoun "it" has a clear and unambiguous antecedent to prevent reader confusion.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase when there are multiple nouns in the preceding sentence that "it" could refer to. If the reference is unclear, it is better to repeat the specific term or use a more descriptive noun like "the definition of this concept" to maintain precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definition of it" serves as a noun phrase where the head noun "definition" is modified by the prepositional phrase "of it". In most contexts, it functions as a complement or a direct object within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is often used to clarify or constrain the meaning of a previously mentioned subject, acting as a referential anchor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "definition of it" is a highly versatile and correct English phrase used across a wide spectrum of formal and semi-formal writing. Ludwig AI data demonstrates that it is a staple in scientific discourse for defining variables and in journalism for clarifying abstract concepts like success, feminism or authenticity. While it is perfectly standard, writers should ensure that the pronoun "it" clearly refers to a single intended antecedent to avoid ambiguity. Whether used in a Stanford research paper or a New Yorker essay, it remains a reliable tool for maintaining cohesion and clarity in complex discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

its definition

Uses the possessive adjective for a more concise and direct reference.

the meaning of it

Focuses more on the semantic significance rather than a formal dictionary entry.

how it is defined

Shifts the focus to the action or process of defining the subject.

the explanation thereof

A more formal and archaic sounding alternative often used in legal or technical writing.

its interpretation

Suggests that the meaning might be subject to different viewpoints or analysis.

what it represents

Broadens the scope to include symbolism or what the concept stands for.

the essence of it

Concentrates on the most fundamental or important part of the subject.

its characterization

Focuses on the description of distinctive qualities or traits.

what it constitutes

Refers to the components or elements that make up the subject.

its conceptualization

Refers to the process of forming the idea or theory behind the subject.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "definition of it"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "<a href="/s/its+definition" target="_blank" rel="alternative">its definition", "<a href="/s/the+meaning+of+it" target="_blank" rel="alternative">the meaning of it" or "<a href="/s/how+it+is+defined" target="_blank" rel="alternative">how it is defined".

Is "definition of it" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a standard English construction consisting of a noun followed by a prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in formal, scientific and journalistic writing.

What is the difference between "definition of it" and "its definition"?

While they mean the same thing, "<a href="/s/its+definition" target="_blank" rel="alternative">its definition" is more compact and often preferred in snappy journalistic writing, whereas "definition of it" can provide a specific rhythmic emphasis at the end of a sentence.

Can I use "definition of it" in a research paper?

Absolutely. It is extremely common in academic and scientific contexts, especially when referring back to mathematical functions, specific terminology or theoretical frameworks.