fair definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fair definition" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a definition that is reasonable, just, or balanced. For example, "The author provided a fair definition of the term that considered multiple perspectives." Alternative expressions include "reasonable definition," "just definition," and "balanced definition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

However, in annex A we will observe that this solution achieves the same fairness as the typical resource fair definition in the downlink.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As Norrell puts it: "Having conditions forced on him, with the threat of destruction clearly the cost of resist­ance, does not constitute a fair definition of accommodation.

The New York Times - Books

She is, in other words, a raging mess who can't help how she behaves and knows it, which to me is a fair definition of hell.

The New York Times

Being propelled onto a course that zigzags between glorification and humiliation, in which your identity is forever in flux, sounds to me like a fair definition of life.

The New York Times

The constitution, cooked up under military rule, forbids any attempt at "placing the government of state under the control of an individual or a group of people, or establishing the hegemony of one social class over others, or creating discrimination on the basis of language, race, religion or sect"—a fair definition of party politics.

The Economist

It upholds the right of people to live in freedom from persecution and arbitrary arrest; to hold any faith or none; to change religion; and to enjoy freedom of expression, which by any fair definition includes freedom to agree or disagree with the tenets of any religion.In other words, it protects individuals not religions, or any other set of beliefs.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

By that I mean the one that Kasabian were on, which seems as fair a definition of main as any.

The Guardian - Music

In her latest book to feature the quasi-retired detective named Jackson Brodie, Kate Atkinson lets him deliver a fair working definition of how an Atkinson book is apt to unfold.

The New York Times - Books

"Under any fair political definition, I am simply a nationalist".

Vice

"Any rate the market offers is, by definition, fair".

The New Yorker

The highest bid in an open auction is, by definition, "fair market value".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with verbs like "seems", "constitutes", or "represents" to strengthen the evaluative tone of your sentence.

Common error

Writers sometimes use "fair definition" when they actually mean a complete or exhaustive one. Keep in mind that "fair" implies reasonableness and lack of bias, not necessarily total comprehensiveness. If you mean a definition that covers every possible detail, consider using "comprehensive definition" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair definition" typically functions as a noun phrase where "fair" serves as an attributive adjective modifying the noun "definition". According to Ludwig, it can act as the subject of a sentence, a direct object, or a subject complement. It is often used to validate the neutrality or accuracy of how a concept is categorized.

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "fair definition" is a robust and widely accepted phrase in the English language, particularly within journalism and research. Ludwig AI data confirms its status as a Correct and Common expression, with major outlets like The New York Times and The Economist using it to evaluate the validity of various concepts. It serves as an effective tool for writers to signal that a categorization is balanced and reasonable. While synonyms like "reasonable definition" are available, "fair definition" carries a unique connotation of justice and representative honesty that makes it indispensable in nuanced discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable definition

Focuses on the logical soundness or common-sense appeal of the description.

unbiased definition

Emphasizes the lack of prejudice or partiality in the explanation.

accurate definition

Stresses the factual correctness and precision of the term's meaning.

balanced definition

Implies the definition considers multiple perspectives or components equally.

equitable definition

Suggests a definition that is just and treats all aspects of the concept fairly.

just definition

Imparts a moral or ethical weight to the fairness of the categorization.

objective definition

Highlights a description based on facts rather than personal feelings.

appropriate definition

Focuses on the suitability of the definition for a specific context.

legitimate definition

Focuses on the validity or official acceptance of the meaning.

proper definition

Suggests the definition follows established rules or formal standards.

FAQs

How to use "fair definition" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a perspective, such as: "That seems like a fair definition of the problem we are facing."

What can I say instead of "fair definition"?

Depending on your intent, you could use "reasonable definition", "balanced definition", or "unbiased definition".

Which is correct: "fair definition" or "accurate definition"?

Both are correct, but they mean different things. An "accurate definition" is strictly correct according to facts, while a "fair definition" suggests the description is just and representative without being skewed.

Is "fair definition" formal enough for an essay?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. For more variety in a scholarly context, you might also consider "objective definition" or "legitimate definition".