has defined history

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has defined history" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that has a clear and established historical background or significance. Example: "The ancient city has defined history, influencing cultures and civilizations for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tiger human conflict is important for many reasons, not least of which is that it has defined history and will define the future with this species.

Tigers of the World The Science, Politics, and Conservation of Panthera tigris

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As she writes, "It will be the obvious view of most readers that the Hawaiians should have been left to work out their own history". What Moore is referring to is colonialism, which has defined the history of the islands in many ways.

Los Angeles Times

The similarities in the suffering of these two children should remind us of the calumny and chaos that has defined the history of childhood adversity in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wanting to learn more about this incredible land and history, Ryan Gosling and activist John Prendergast went to the Congo to learn first-hand how the prosperity of America and Europe has defined Congolese history for the last five centuries in a multitude of ways.

Stanford University

When the scandal of the war victims' fund was made public, and Mugabe realized how deeply the rot reached into his court, he cut a deal with Hunzvi which has defined Zimbabwean history ever since: every war veteran would get a hefty onetime disbursement, followed by a lifetime monthly check, as well as free medical care and free access to education — and, above all, land.

The New Yorker

The end of the local separatist movements of the Warring States period by Qinshihuang was an epoch-making event, as it established the unified multi-ethnic structure that has defined mainstream Chinese history.

International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology

History has defined the US veteran as a hero, and in doing so it has automatically defined anyone who fights against him as the bad guy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He grew up in a segregated era whose history has defined and complicated the careers of many Southern politicians.

The Economist

The evolution of our living environments through history has defined a research field for spatial, perceptive, and constructive experimentation, but also has transformed the way we live.

Cornell University

It is a hugely important part of what has defined ITV throughout its history, and I want it to continue to be right at the heart of what ITV defines in years to come.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr. Bush's associates say his religious and moral convictions led him to believe that the United States has an obligation to address the suffering that has defined Africa through a history of colonialism, brutal regional conflicts, dictatorships and disease.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has defined history" to emphasize the long-term and fundamental influence of a particular event, person, or idea on the historical narrative. It works best when the influence is clear and widely acknowledged.

Common error

Avoid using "has defined history" when the subject's impact is limited or localized. Ensure the claim of historical definition is supported by evidence and not based on subjective interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has defined history" functions as a descriptor, attributing a significant and lasting impact on the course of historical events. As Ludwig AI shows, this suggests the subject has fundamentally shaped how history is understood.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has defined history" is grammatically correct but rare. It asserts that a particular subject has fundamentally shaped the course of history, influencing its interpretation and trajectory. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase appears across diverse contexts, from scientific papers to news articles and academic discussions, emphasizing substantial and lasting impacts. When using this phrase, ensure the subject's influence is demonstrably profound and not overstated. Consider related phrases like "shaped historical events" or "molded the course of history" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defined an epoch in history

Highlights the action of setting up an important moment in history.

shaped historical events

Focuses on the action of shaping events, rather than defining an era or period.

molded the course of history

Emphasizes a strong influence, suggesting a significant alteration of historical trajectories.

influenced historical development

Highlights the impact on the progression of history.

marked a turning point in history

Emphasizes that some event represents an important shift in the course of history.

left a mark on history

Suggests a lasting impact or impression on historical events.

established a precedent in history

Focuses on the action of setting up a relevant case that will have effects in the future.

determined the historical narrative

Focuses on the influence on the stories and accounts of the past.

impacted the historical timeline

Highlights the action of having influence in the historical timeline.

dictated historical trends

Implies a more forceful and controlling influence on historical patterns.

FAQs

How can I use "has defined history" in a sentence?

Use "has defined history" to describe something that has fundamentally shaped historical events or understanding. For instance, "The Renaissance has defined history through its artistic and intellectual achievements".

What are some alternatives to "has defined history"?

Alternatives include "shaped historical events", "influenced historical development", or "molded the course of history", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "shaped history" or "has defined history"?

While both are acceptable, "has defined history" suggests a more fundamental and enduring impact than "shaped history". The choice depends on the degree of influence you want to emphasize.

What distinguishes "has defined history" from "made history"?

"Has defined history" implies a lasting influence on how history is understood, whereas "made history" simply means an event was historically significant at the time. Something that "made history" may not necessarily "have defined history".