feel defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of clarity or understanding about one's identity or situation. Example: "After reflecting on my experiences, I finally feel defined in my career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Yet I failed to feel defined by any of these evils; I felt no bad faith.

The New York Times

Caine said he didn't feel defined by Alfie, which was "a long time ago in every way.

The Guardian - Film

The funny, moving collection that resulted shows that despite the homogenizing effects of mass culture, Americans still feel defined by the state they call home.

The New York Times

E's 20s were hard but her 30s were better and she emailed me this week to say she doesn't remotely feel "defined" by her eating any more.

The Guardian

Were there aspects of life as a teenager that felt normal, that didn't feel defined by this conflict and by this geopolitical situation?

The New York Times

She said: "More than half of Kingston students are women and I hope that this decision will help them not to succumb to the media pressure to feel defined by their bodies, but to celebrate their academic achievements and countless other talents".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Sorority women use the formal recruitment process to admit younger women they believe will fit well with their chapter and who confidently exude the qualities they feel define their sisterhood.

Huffington Post

Look again at those three qualities that you feel define your work experience, and make sure that those are the qualities that you highlight.

WikiHow

The guy asked if I felt defined by my masculinity, and I said, with great feeling, that it's a privilege to wake up every day in this body.

Vice

And I wish we lived in a world where no woman felt defined by how -- and whether -- she gave birth.

HuffPost

It was a message to anyone who feels defined by the disease and isolated by the LGBT community.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel defined" to express a sense of clarity and understanding about your identity, role, or situation after a period of reflection or change.

Common error

Avoid using "feel defined" as a generic substitute for more precise verbs like "understand", "know", or "believe". Choose the verb that best reflects the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel defined" functions as a linking verb followed by a past participle adjective. The verb "feel" connects the subject to a state of being or condition, while "defined" describes the nature of that state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel defined" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a sense of clarity and understanding about one's identity or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and appears frequently in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the nuanced meaning of having a clear sense of self or purpose, and consider more specific alternatives if a broader sentiment is intended. It's best practice to use "feel defined" after a period of reflection or change and to avoid overusing it as a generic substitute for more precise verbs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel understood

Emphasizes the feeling of being comprehended by others, shifting the focus from self-definition to external validation.

feel certain

Focuses on a sense of sureness or conviction about something, rather than a defined identity.

feel clear about

Indicates a lack of confusion or ambiguity, emphasizing mental clarity over a defined identity.

feel established

Suggests a sense of stability and permanence, particularly in a career or role.

feel characterized

Focuses on the attributes or qualities that define something or someone.

feel shaped by

Highlights the influence of external factors in forming one's identity.

feel molded by

Similar to 'feel shaped by' but implies a stronger degree of influence or control.

feel constrained by

Suggests limitations or restrictions that define one's actions or choices.

feel restricted by

Similar to 'feel constrained by', but with a more direct connotation of limitations.

feel limited by

Expresses a sense of being bounded or restricted by something.

FAQs

How can I use "feel defined" in a sentence?

You can use "feel defined" to express a sense of clarity about your identity or situation. For example: "After reflecting on my experiences, I finally feel defined in my career path."

What can I say instead of "feel defined"?

You can use alternatives like "feel understood", "feel certain", or "feel clear about" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "feel defined" or "feel defining"?

"Feel defined" is generally used to describe a state of being, while "feel defining" would describe something that is in the process of defining something else.

What's the difference between "feel defined" and "feel shaped by"?

"Feel defined" suggests a completed understanding of one's identity, while "feel shaped by" indicates ongoing influence from external forces.