formal definition

USAGE SUMMARY

"formal definition" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used when a formal definition of a word, phrase, or concept is required. For example, "The formal definition of 'philanthropy' is the effort to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Formally, we have the following formal definition.

BioData Mining

Give a reasonable formal definition.

Cornell University

That is the formal definition, anyway.

The New Yorker

There's no formal definition of e-commerce.

The Washington Post

So the formal definition is this.

Yale University

So we have our formal definition.

Yale University

He taught writer the formal definition of cement.

The New Yorker

No widely accepted formal definition for altmetrics exists.

Nature

A formal definition of Zorn's lemma requires some preliminary definitions.

Britannica

For a formal definition of implication, see formal logic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We give formal definition for the correctness critirion.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formal definition", ensure that the context requires a precise and unambiguous explanation of a term or concept. Avoid using it in informal or casual settings where a general understanding suffices.

Common error

Avoid using "formal definition" when a simple explanation is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily academic or pretentious in casual conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal definition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig confirms, it is a standard and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Academia

30%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formal definition" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer to a precise and unambiguous explanation of a term or concept. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in scientific and academic contexts, where precision is paramount. When using "formal definition", it's important to consider the audience and context. While it is appropriate for technical writing, overuse in informal settings can sound pretentious. Alternatives like "precise definition" or "technical definition" may be suitable depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise definition

Emphasizes accuracy and lack of ambiguity in the definition.

exact definition

Stresses the correctness and accuracy of the definition, leaving no room for interpretation.

rigorous definition

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness involved in formulating the definition.

technical definition

Implies the definition is specific to a particular field or area of expertise.

official definition

Suggests the definition is sanctioned by an authority or institution.

standard definition

Refers to a widely accepted and commonly used definition.

explicit definition

Focuses on the clarity and unambiguity of the definition, leaving no room for assumptions.

codified definition

Indicates the definition has been formally written down and documented.

legal definition

Specifies that the definition is used and recognized in a legal context.

accepted definition

Denotes a definition that is generally agreed upon and used within a particular community.

FAQs

What does "formal definition" mean?

A "formal definition" is a precise and unambiguous explanation of a term or concept, often used in academic, scientific, or legal contexts to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

When is it appropriate to use the term "formal definition"?

Use "formal definition" when you need to introduce a precise and standardized explanation of a term, especially in technical or academic writing. For less rigorous explanations, consider using "working definition" or "general definition".

What are some alternatives to "formal definition"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "precise definition", "technical definition", or "official definition".

How does a "formal definition" differ from an informal one?

A "formal definition" is characterized by its precision, lack of ambiguity, and adherence to established conventions. An informal definition is often a more general and intuitive explanation suitable for everyday use.