definitionally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitionally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the meaning or definition of a term or concept in a precise manner. Example: "Definitionally, a 'mammal' is characterized by the presence of mammary glands that produce milk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

In a statement given to a Senate estimates hearing this week, Brandis ditched the terminology "occupied east Jerusalem", which has been deployed descriptively and definitionally by both the Coalition and Labor over several successive governments.

The Guardian

A major economic crisis and recession is, almost definitionally, one that wasn't adequately anticipated before hand.With that said, there are interesting things to be learned from these meetings.

The Economist

A proposition is logically necessary if it instantiates a law of logic or can be made to instantiate a law of logic through substitution of definitionally equivalent terms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thereafter, those blacks who remained poor and disempowered were viewed as having failed to take advantage of their definitionally equal status".

The New Yorker

It's definitionally overloaded, and it can do almost any job you need done.

The New Yorker

The achievement beard is definitionally low-maintenance.

The New Yorker

But the aim of "avoiding the worst possible misery for everyone" is not definitionally integral to morality; it is one possible definition of the good that morality pursues.

The New York Times

These have been tough years for American power: years of a sick economy that cannot easily be healed; of wars that cannot, tactically or definitionally, be "won"; of new powers that have risen under the shelter of the Pax Americana and now will not be told what to do.

The New York Times

The pursuit of knowledge about the universe is definitionally integral to science (you can look it up!), and you are simply not a scientist if you don't embrace the assumption that the universe is intelligible to reasoned, evidence-based investigation.

The New York Times

This is definitionally impossible and morally undesirable.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can rely on one or all of the following things happening: A well-meaning but definitionally challenged relative will say, "But you can eat prawns, can't you?'' A self-styled comedian – usually an older male relative – will wave a piece of crackling in your face saying, "Go on, you know you want to".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitionally" when you want to emphasize that a statement or concept is true or valid based solely on its definition, rather than on empirical evidence or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "definitionally" when the concept is based on opinion or interpretation rather than a clear, agreed-upon definition. Using it incorrectly can make your argument seem rigid or unsupported.

Linguistic Context

The word "definitionally" functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that something is related to or determined by a definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it specifies that a statement or characteristic is true or valid based solely on its definition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitionally" is an adverb used to express that something is true or valid based on its definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and found across a variety of reliable sources, most commonly in news, media, and scientific publications. It signals that a characteristic is inherent and follows logically from the definition of a subject. While frequently used in formal contexts, it's important to avoid misusing "definitionally" in subjective scenarios where the definition is not clearly established. Alternatives include "by definition", "in terms of its definition", and "according to the definition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by definition

This is a shorter, more common way to express that something is true because of its definition.

in terms of its definition

This phrase is more explicit about referring to the definition of something.

according to the definition

This alternative emphasizes that something follows directly from a given definition.

as a matter of definition

This phrase highlights that the truth of something is definitional rather than empirical.

conceptually

This word focuses on the conceptual framework that makes something true, implying it aligns with the underlying definition.

inherently

This term suggests that something is part of the very nature or definition of something else.

intrinsically

This word suggests something is essential to the definition and cannot be separated from it.

fundamentally

Indicates that the characteristic is a basic, defining aspect.

by its very nature

This phrase suggests that something is true because of its fundamental characteristics, which are included in its definition.

essentially

This term highlights the core nature or definition of something.

FAQs

How can I use "definitionally" in a sentence?

You can use "definitionally" to show that something is true or follows logically from a definition. For example, "A square is definitionally a rectangle because it has four right angles".

What are some alternatives to "definitionally"?

Alternatives include "by definition", "in terms of its definition", or "according to the definition" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "definitionally true"?

Yes, saying something is "definitionally true" emphasizes that its truth stems directly from its definition, making it inherently valid.

What's the difference between "definitionally" and "essentially"?

"Definitionally" refers specifically to truth derived from a precise definition, while "essentially" points to the fundamental nature or core characteristics of something. While similar, "definitionally" is more precise and definition-focused.