formulate a definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formulate a definition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating or establishing a clear meaning for a term or concept. Example: "In order to better understand the topic, we need to formulate a definition of what constitutes artificial intelligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Apart from a few references to comparative studies of "traditional" or "tribal" peoples, Hutton does not try to formulate a definition.

The Guardian - Books

But also we're saying that this equal operation is continuing indefinitely, and I would also therefore be concerned if we tried to formulate a definition of excellence, because what we are talking about is an incessant pursuit thereof.

Yale University

Bishop and Verleger (2013) thus attempt to formulate a definition of flipped classroom approach.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Such high word intuition agreement also suggests that it is quite feasible to formulate a definition of Chinese word according to the collective word intuition of Chinese speakers.

Lingua Sinica

Such high word intuition agreement among Chinese speakers supports the psychological reality of Chinese word and also suggests that that it is quite feasible to formulate a definition of Chinese word by modeling the collective word intuition of Chinese speakers.

Lingua Sinica

The aim of this study was to remedy this: to formulate a definition of quality of care specific to headache which would (1) have relevance to people with headache, (2) apply across the spectrum of headache disorders and the range of health-care settings, (3) extend beyond clinical indicators and (4) maintain its utility across countries, cultures and health-care systems.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It describes what characterizes supramolecular catalysts, formulating a definition based on the nature of interactions between catalyst and substrate or building blocks of the catalyst.

Advances in Catalysis

Formulating a definition of Protestantism that would include all its varieties has long been the despair of Protestant historians and theologians, for there is greater diversity within Protestantism than there is between some forms of Protestantism and some non-Protestant Christianity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We formulated a definition of quality from the quality indicators.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Bolzano also formulated a definition of the derivative of a function free of the notion of infinitesimal (see Bolzano [1950]).

SEP

He formulates a definition of consequences in terms of 'howsoever the antecedent/consequent signifies things to be' in order to accommodate such counterexamples, but adds that in most cases, the simpler definition is sufficiently accurate.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formulate a definition", ensure the context clearly indicates the need for a new or revised definition. Avoid using it when simply stating an existing definition.

Common error

Avoid using "formulate a definition" when a simpler phrase like "define" or "explain" would suffice. For example, instead of saying "We need to formulate a definition of 'justice'", consider "We need to define 'justice'".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulate a definition" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of creating or developing a definition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its role in discussing the process of establishing a clear meaning for a term or concept.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formulate a definition" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing the process of creating or developing a precise explanation of a term or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in scientific and academic contexts, reflecting its association with formal and technical discourse. While alternatives like "define" or "develop a definition" may sometimes be more concise, "formulate a definition" effectively emphasizes the deliberate and thoughtful nature of the defining process. Ensure its use is appropriate for contexts requiring a new or revised definition, avoiding redundancy in simpler explanatory statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Develop a definition

Emphasizes the process of elaboration and refinement involved in creating a definition.

Create a definition

Focuses on the act of bringing a new definition into existence.

Establish a definition

Highlights the act of making a definition recognized and accepted.

Construct a definition

Implies a more methodical and structured approach to creating a definition.

Define precisely

Focuses on the act of giving a precise description.

Craft a definition

Implies skill and care in creating a well-worded definition.

Frame a definition

Suggests carefully selecting and arranging the elements of a definition.

Draft a definition

Focuses on producing a preliminary version of a definition.

Determine a definition

Highlights the act of deciding or settling on a specific definition.

Conceptualize a definition

Emphasizes the theoretical aspect of developing a definition.

FAQs

What does "formulate a definition" mean?

The phrase "formulate a definition" means to create or develop a clear and precise explanation of a term or concept. It implies a deliberate and thoughtful process of defining something.

How can I use "formulate a definition" in a sentence?

You can use "formulate a definition" when you want to express the action of creating or developing a definition, such as: "The committee needs to "develop a definition" before proceeding" or "The scientists are working to "establish a definition" of the new phenomenon".

What are some alternatives to "formulate a definition"?

Some alternatives to "formulate a definition" include ""develop a definition"", "create a definition", ""establish a definition"", and "construct a definition". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "formulate a definition" or simply "define"?

While "formulate a definition" is grammatically correct, "define" is often more concise and direct. Use "formulate a definition" when you want to emphasize the process of creating a new or refined definition, rather than simply stating an existing one. You may also choose to "define precisely".