give a definition

USAGE SUMMARY

"give a definition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to explain the meaning of something. For example, "Can you give a definition of the word 'apathy'?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Were I asked to give a definition of "awkward", this would certainly be it.

The Guardian

My role is not to give a definition to that, my role is to make it".

The Guardian - Music

They couldn't give a definition, but they could give examples that they agreed upon.

The New Yorker

You adorable pest!") Reached by phone last Wednesday on the morning before Gen Art's sixth annual Fresh Faces in Fashion show -- where she was awarded an Emerging Designers Advocate award -- Ms. Mellen was asked to give a definition of style.

The New York Times - Style

But if you want me to give a definition to what I do, I wouldn't say I'm a pianist - I'm a musician, and the piano happens to be my instrument.

The Guardian - Music

For the first time the Government will give a definition of a "troubled family", comprising seven factors, including having a low income, no one in the family working, having poor housing and parents having no qualifications.

Independent

Further modifications of the general method described have yielded validity definitions that match many other axiomatic modal systems, and the method can be adapted to give a definition of validity for intuitionistic PC.

Encyclopedia Britannica

end{aligned} Secondly, we give a definition of some operators.

Boundary Value Problems

First we give a definition for the formal transform.

Advances in Difference Equations

Then, we give a definition of the arc-consistency problem for bilevel constraint satisfaction checking.

Artificial Intelligence

This may be used to give a definition of a deep minimum.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give a definition", ensure that the context provides the subject or term being defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Can you give a definition of 'quantum entanglement'?"

Common error

While grammatically correct, "give a definition" can sound slightly stilted in very informal conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "define" or "explain" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a definition" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to request or offer an explanation of a term or concept. As Ludwig confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give a definition" is a common and grammatically correct way to request or offer an explanation of a term or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. While simpler alternatives like "define" exist, "give a definition" provides a clear and straightforward means of eliciting or providing clarification. While typically neutral in tone, you might consider more casual alternatives like "explain" in very informal settings. Remember that while both "provide a definition" and "give a definition" are usually interchangeable, "provide" might sound slightly more formal in specific contexts. Finally, ensure you always mention the subject or term that you want the definition for, that way you will avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a definition

This alternative uses "provide" instead of "give", offering a slightly more formal tone.

offer a definition

Using "offer" suggests a more considered or proposed definition.

present a definition

This phrase implies a formal or structured presentation of the definition.

define

This is a shorter, more direct synonym that omits the act of "giving" a definition.

explain the meaning

This option focuses on the meaning rather than the formal definition.

formulate a definition

This alternative focuses on the act of creating or developing a definition.

clarify the definition

This choice emphasizes making an existing definition more understandable.

state a definition

Emphasizes the act of clearly and explicitly stating the definition.

elucidate the definition

This option is formal and highlights the act of making the definition clear.

explicate the meaning

This phrase is more elaborate and emphasizes a detailed explanation of the meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "give a definition" when you want to ask someone to explain the meaning of something. For example, "Could you "give a definition" of the term 'artificial intelligence'?"

What's a more concise alternative to "give a definition"?

A more concise alternative is to simply use the verb "define". For example, instead of saying "Can you give a definition of this word?" you can say "Can you define this word?"

Is it better to use "provide a definition" or "give a definition"?

"Provide a definition" and ""give a definition"" are largely interchangeable, but "provide" might sound slightly more formal in certain contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "give a definition"?

It's appropriate in academic, professional, and general contexts when you want someone to explain the meaning of a term or concept. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from various sources.