draw up a definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw up a definition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to create or formulate a specific definition for a term or concept. Example: "In our meeting, we need to draw up a definition for what constitutes a successful project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's this philosophy that has inspired ministers to draw up a definition of "extremism" so broad that the archbishop of Canterbury says it would classify him as a criminal.

The Guardian - Opinion

And indeed, how do we draw up a definition?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's why we'll be drawing up a clearer definition of SEN, so schools ask why children are falling behind, and put in place the right support.

The Guardian - Opinion

So after a while, Liu adopted a more formal approach: drawing up a written definition of the chair's and the CEO's responsibilities and rules of engagement (he called it "a nonaggression pact") and having the CEO sign it.

Harvard Business Review

The Potato Council has now drawn up an industry standard definition after the council raised its concerns.

BBC

The appeals court has now ordered Judge Barbier at the lower district court to review the wording of the deal in order to draw up a narrower set of definitions that will exclude unfair claims.

BBC

Our analysis of resilience concepts and models suggest that beyond simplistic definitions, it is possible to draw up a systemic resilience model (SyRes) that maintains these opposing characteristics without contradiction.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

So Wimbledon members rewrote the rules, adding a few new definitions, and then immediately began lobbying efforts to have the R&A draw up a more uniform code that all clubs, anywhere in the Empire, could follow.

Forbes

Draw up a priorities list.

Forbes

Draw up a flowchart.

Huffington Post

I will draw up a precise plan.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw up a definition" when the process involves careful consideration and drafting, implying a formal or official outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "draw up a definition" when a definition already exists and only needs to be referenced or applied. This phrase is best reserved for instances where a new definition is being actively formulated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw up a definition" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of creating a formal definition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It typically requires an actor (who is drawing up the definition) and an object (what is being defined).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw up a definition" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that suggests creating or formulating a definition in a formal way. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly used in news, scientific and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly identify who is creating the definition and for what purpose. Alternatives include "formulate a definition" or "develop a definition". Overall, this phrase indicates a careful and considered approach to defining terms or concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulate a definition

Emphasizes the careful and precise creation of a definition.

develop a definition

Focuses on the gradual and detailed development of a definition.

create a definition

Highlights the act of bringing a new definition into existence.

establish a definition

Suggests setting up a definition for official or recognized use.

draft a definition

Implies creating a preliminary version of a definition.

construct a definition

Focuses on building or assembling a definition from different components.

frame a definition

Highlights the way a definition is structured or presented.

devise a definition

Focuses on inventing or planning a definition.

work out a definition

Emphasizes the effort and problem-solving involved in creating a definition.

put together a definition

Suggests assembling a definition from existing information.

FAQs

What does "draw up a definition" mean?

The phrase "draw up a definition" means to create, formulate, or draft a formal definition for something. It suggests a deliberate and careful process of defining a term or concept.

How can I use "draw up a definition" in a sentence?

You can use "draw up a definition" in a sentence like this: "The committee was tasked to draw up a definition of 'sustainable development' that could be used in policy documents."

What are some alternatives to "draw up a definition"?

Some alternatives to "draw up a definition" include "formulate a definition", "develop a definition", or "create a definition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "draw up a definition" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "draw up a definition" is more suited to formal or professional contexts. In informal conversation, simpler alternatives like "define" or "explain" might be more appropriate.