do not define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not define" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone not to provide a definition or explanation of a term or concept. Example: "In this discussion, please do not define the term 'freedom'; instead, focus on its implications in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oblique messages do not define a collection.

The New York Times

But they do not define his subject.

The Guardian - Books

The authors do not define it, except by implication.

The New Yorker

"Do not define today," he told his Bauhaus students.

The New York Times - Arts

But handshakes alone do not define relationships, of course.

The Washington Post

But the guidelines do not define those activities.

The New York Times

Fred Cohen: Features do not define a good firewall.

The Washington Post

But trophies do not define Guardiola's success: Style does.

The New York Times - Sports

"Tragedies do not define people, cities or countries.

Independent

The same goes for politics – do not define yourself by who you hate.

The Guardian

She is also fighting to be sure that her injuries do not define her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "do not define", ensure the context clearly indicates what should not be defined and why. Clarity in intent enhances the effectiveness of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "do not define" in contexts where a more specific action or instruction would be more effective. Instead of saying "do not define success", consider saying "focus on achieving specific goals" for clearer guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not define" functions as a negative imperative, issuing a command or instruction to avoid specifying a definition. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where a speaker or writer explicitly instructs against providing a fixed meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do not define" serves as a direct instruction to avoid establishing a fixed meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse sources, including news media, academia, and science. While versatile, ensure the context clearly indicates what should not be defined and why, avoiding vague or less impactful uses. Alternatives include "refrain from defining" or "avoid defining" for nuanced expressions. The frequency of the expression is very common, so its usage is widespread and considered acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from defining

Emphasizes a deliberate choice to avoid defining.

avoid defining

Suggests sidestepping the act of providing a definition.

do not delineate

Focuses on not marking the boundaries or limits of something.

do not specify

Indicates the absence of a clear specification or identification.

do not characterize

Emphasizes the avoidance of portraying something with specific traits.

do not determine

Focuses on not being the deciding factor or establishment of something.

do not limit

Suggests that a certain aspect should not set restrictions.

do not equate

Highlights that the concept should not be the same as another.

do not represent

Focuses on not standing for a particular idea.

do not encapsulate

Suggests that the definition does not contain all the aspects or nuances of something.

FAQs

How can I use "do not define" in a sentence?

You can use "do not define" to instruct someone not to provide a specific meaning or boundary. For example, "In this discussion, "do not define" the term 'freedom'; instead, focus on its implications in society."

What are some alternatives to "do not define"?

Alternatives include "refrain from defining", "avoid defining", or "do not specify", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "does not define" or "do not define"?

"Does not define" is used for singular subjects (e.g., "This characteristic does not define him"), while "do not define" is used in imperative sentences or with plural subjects (e.g., "Do not define success solely by monetary gain").

What's the difference between "do not define" and "does not limit"?

"Do not define" means not to give a specific meaning or description. "Does not limit", on the other hand, suggests that something does not restrict or set boundaries. For instance, "Age "does not limit" your potential", implies age should not restrict what you can achieve, while ""do not define" yourself by your failures" means failures shouldn't be your only description.