exactly define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly define" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to request a precise and clear definition of a term or concept. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, we need to exactly define the scope of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Watching Favre prepare for games was instructional, although Clemens could not exactly define what made it so.

The New York Times - Sports

And anyone familiar with New York will recognize his description of the city as offering a "feeling not to be repeated anywhere else that life was bursting with a promise you couldn't exactly define -- the vagueness being part of the promise, perhaps the best part".

The New York Times - Books

It is difficult to exactly define the formation and destruction mechanism of ozone.

Environmental Systems Research

To use game theoretic method, we first need to exactly define a game.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

There are no perfect paradigms looking at free trade and import/export laws that exactly define or address this challenge.

TechCrunch

Besides, it can be seen how the brighter pixels, corresponding to Si-rich areas, exactly define the wire shape.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But much of this leaves open the question of what exactly defines a successful negotiation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Computers excel at "routine" tasks: organizing, storing, retrieving and manipulating information, or executing exactly defined physical movements in production processes.

The New York Times

Harvard today is not exactly defined by the airs of the Porcellian Club (the closest Harvard gets to Yale's notorious Skull and Bones).

The New York Times

I don't know what exactly defines this project, or what picture it will form, but I know it has to do with curiosity, vulnerability, sensitivity, and action.

The New Yorker

But in the middle of a sporting event as fervent as the N.C.A.A. tournament, with passionate crowds and high stakes, what exactly defines disruptive?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documents, use "exactly define" to ensure readers understand the precise parameters or scope of a concept.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language when trying to "exactly define" a concept. Clarity and simplicity are crucial for effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly define" functions as a directive verb phrase, urging a precise and unambiguous formulation of a definition. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly define" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the need for precision and clarity in definitions. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Alternatives like "precisely define" or "clearly define" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. When using "exactly define", prioritize clarity and avoid overly complex language to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely define

Emphasizes accuracy and meticulousness in the definition.

clearly define

Focuses on the ease of understanding and lack of ambiguity in the definition.

specifically define

Highlights defining something with a particular and limited scope.

accurately define

Stresses the correctness and truthfulness of the definition.

rigorously define

Suggests a thorough and strict approach to defining something.

expressly define

Implies that the definition is explicitly stated and unambiguous.

explicitly define

Highlights the absence of vagueness or implication, making the definition direct.

methodically define

Implies a structured and systematic approach to providing a definition.

systematically define

Highlights an organized approach to creating a definition.

exhaustively define

Suggests a comprehensive and detailed definition, leaving no aspect unexplored.

FAQs

How can I use "exactly define" in a sentence?

You can use "exactly define" when you need a precise and clear definition. For example, "Before proceeding, we must exactly define the project's objectives."

What phrases are similar to "exactly define"?

Alternatives to "exactly define" include "precisely define", "clearly define", or "specifically define", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "exactly define" and "clearly define"?

"Exactly define" emphasizes precision, while "clearly define" highlights understandability. The choice depends on whether accuracy or ease of comprehension is more important.

Is it better to "exactly define" or "specifically define" a term?

It depends on the context. "Exactly define" is broader, while "specifically define" suggests focusing on particular aspects or conditions.