generally accepted definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally accepted definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a widely recognized or standard meaning of a term or concept within a particular field or context. Example: "The generally accepted definition of 'sustainability' encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no generally accepted definition of a recession.

The New Yorker

However, a generally accepted definition of age in plants has not yet been realized.

Britannica

But by the generally accepted definition -- two straight quarters of contraction -- it may already be here.

The New York Times

An unequivocal, precise, and generally accepted definition of biodiversity does not exist.

Encyclopedia of Biodiversity

The generally accepted definition of privacy is the "right to be let alone".

The Guardian

That met the generally accepted definition of a recession — two consecutive quarters of contractions — for the first time since 1993.

The New York Times

However, due to the diversity of this phenomenon, there is no generally accepted definition of the frequent attender.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, largely because there is no generally accepted definition of the term "sustainability".

Harvard University

Both indexes are now down more than 10percentt from their record close on Oct. 9, the generally accepted definition of a market correction.

The New York Times

Five euro zone countries had at least two quarters in a row of declining output, the generally accepted definition of a recession.

The New York Times

Astronomers have yet to develop a rigorous, generally accepted definition of planet that will successfully accommodate extrasolar planets and distinguish them from bodies that are more starlike in character (e.g., brown dwarfs).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase in academic writing, ensure that you are referencing a credible source that supports the claim that the definition is "generally accepted". Citing your sources improves transparency and trust.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "generally accepted definition" is universally known or agreed upon by everyone. Always provide context and be prepared to support the claim that the definition is indeed "generally accepted", as nuances and disagreements can exist even within established fields.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally accepted definition" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves to introduce or clarify the established meaning of a term or concept. Ludwig confirms that it is widely used to refer to a widely recognized or standard meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "generally accepted definition" is a common and useful expression for referring to widely recognized meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While it is crucial to provide context for specific use cases, it may be beneficial to consider alternatives such as "commonly understood definition" to add nuance or clarity. Use it judiciously and be mindful of assuming universal agreement when presenting a definition as "generally accepted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly understood definition

Replaces "accepted" with "understood", emphasizing comprehension rather than agreement.

widely recognized definition

Substitutes "generally accepted" with "widely recognized", focusing on broad acknowledgement.

universally acknowledged definition

Replaces "generally" with "universally", suggesting near-complete agreement.

standard definition

Uses "standard" to indicate a typical or default definition.

prevailing definition

Indicates the definition that is currently most common or dominant.

established definition

Implies the definition has been around for a considerable time and is well-known.

conventional definition

Highlights that the definition is based on common practices or customs.

typical definition

Indicates that the definition is representative of the majority.

most common definition

Directly states the definition that occurs most frequently.

orthodox definition

Suggests the definition is traditional or adheres to established doctrine.

FAQs

How can I use "generally accepted definition" in a sentence?

You can use "generally accepted definition" to introduce a concept's common understanding, as in, "The "generally accepted definition" of a recession is two consecutive quarters of economic decline."

What's a good substitute for "generally accepted definition"?

Alternatives include phrases like "widely recognized definition", "commonly understood definition", or "standard definition", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always safe to assume everyone agrees on a "generally accepted definition"?

No, even if a definition is "generally accepted", there may still be disagreements or nuances. Always provide context and, if necessary, acknowledge alternative viewpoints or interpretations.

What makes a definition "generally accepted"?

A definition becomes "generally accepted" when it's widely used and recognized by experts, practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders in a particular field or context. This often results from consensus over time or endorsement by authoritative bodies.