exact definition

USAGE SUMMARY

"exact definition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a precise description of what something is. For example: "In order to accurately understand the meaning of this word, we need to look up its exact definition in the dictionary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Italy has no exact definition.

The Economist

Researchers rarely agree on an exact definition.

The Guardian

"What is the exact definition of habitable?

The Guardian

Depending on the exact definition, 8-60% of people in the UK have chronic pain syndrome.

The Guardian

Everyone wanted to look up the exact definition in the dictionary.

The New Yorker

I mean, I cannot give you the exact definition as in a dictionary.

The New Yorker

The United States has absorbed wave upon wave of people who fit that exact definition.

The New York Times

But a debate has ensued on the exact definition of proprietary trading.

The New York Times

For them and countless others, wrangles about the exact definition of rape are beside the point.

The Economist

Reid asked for an exact definition of what constitutes emotion for Obama: "Can you describe it?

The New York Times

This was not the exact definition the president was using recently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarity in technical or ambiguous contexts, always refer to the "exact definition" to avoid misunderstandings. This is especially important in legal, scientific, and philosophical discussions.

Common error

Avoid assuming a shared understanding of a term. Always verify the "exact definition", especially when communicating with diverse audiences, to prevent misinterpretations based on colloquial or subjective understandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact definition" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it highlights the necessity for a precise and accurate description. Examples include "What is the exact definition of habitable?" and "Everyone wanted to look up the exact definition in the dictionary."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exact definition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the need for precision and accuracy in defining terms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, with a strong presence in scientific and news-related content. When writing, it’s important to use the phrase when clarity is paramount, and to avoid informal interpretations that could lead to misunderstandings. When seeking alternatives, "precise definition" or "accurate definition" can serve as suitable substitutes. Using the phrase correctly ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise definition

Emphasizes accuracy and lack of ambiguity.

accurate definition

Highlights the correctness and truthfulness of the definition.

strict definition

Implies adherence to a rigorous and narrow interpretation.

technical definition

Refers to a definition used in a specific field or discipline.

formal definition

Suggests a definition that adheres to established conventions and standards.

working definition

A temporary definition used for a specific project or purpose.

accepted definition

The definition that is generally agreed upon and used by experts.

standard definition

The commonly used and recognized definition.

operational definition

A definition that specifies how a concept is measured or observed.

dictionary definition

The definition found in a standard dictionary.

FAQs

How to use "exact definition" in a sentence?

You can use "exact definition" to emphasize the need for precision, such as "Before proceeding with the analysis, we need to clarify the "exact definition" of the term 'sustainability'".

What can I say instead of "exact definition"?

You can use alternatives like "precise definition", "accurate definition", or "technical definition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exact definition" or "precise definition"?

Both ""exact definition"" and "precise definition" are correct, but "precise definition" might be slightly more common and emphasizes a high degree of accuracy.

Why is it important to know the "exact definition" of a word?

Knowing the "exact definition" of a word ensures clear communication, reduces ambiguity, and prevents misunderstandings, particularly in formal or technical contexts.