is defined as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is defined as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a definition or explanation of something. For example, "Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The mapping is defined as,.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

which is defined as (1.15).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

MCC is defined as below.

BioData Mining

Q: What is defined as off-topic?

The Guardian

His role is defined as a "trequartista".

The New York Times - Sports

Such a cryptosystem is defined as "perfect".

Encyclopedia Britannica

A second-order difference is defined as.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fidelity is defined as.

Nature

The problem is defined as "nothing-buttery".

The Guardian

What is defined as off-topic?

The Guardian

Pre-term is defined as <37 weeks52.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining a term, ensure your definition is clear, concise and uses language appropriate for your target audience.

Common error

Avoid defining a term using the term itself or closely related words. This creates a circular definition that provides no new information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is defined as" functions as a linking verb introducing a definition or explanation. It connects a subject with its definition, as seen in Ludwig's examples where various terms are precisely defined across different fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is defined as" is a versatile and commonly used expression for introducing definitions or explanations. Grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in scientific and technical writing, according to Ludwig. While alternatives like "is characterized as" or "is understood to be" offer subtle nuances, "is defined as" remains a clear and direct way to establish the meaning of a term, as validated by Ludwig AI. Remember to avoid circular definitions and tailor your language to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is characterized as

Focuses on describing the key attributes or qualities, rather than a strict definition.

is understood to be

Emphasizes the common interpretation or generally accepted meaning.

can be described as

Offers a way to portray something's attributes or nature using descriptive words.

is interpreted as

Highlights the act of assigning meaning or understanding.

is known as

Highlights common knowledge of a term or concept.

is considered to be

Focuses on a consensus of opinion rather than a strict definition.

is referred to as

Highlights the act of naming or labeling.

is expressed as

Focuses on how something is represented, often mathematically or symbolically.

is equivalent to

Highlights the equivalence or interchangeability of two things.

is designated as

Focuses on assigning a specific role or function.

FAQs

How do I use "is defined as" in a sentence?

Use "is defined as" to introduce a formal definition of a term or concept. For example, "Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles."

What are some alternatives to "is defined as"?

You can use alternatives such as "is characterized as", "is understood to be", or "can be described as" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "is defined as" or "means" when providing a definition?

"Is defined as" is generally more formal and precise, suitable for academic or technical writing. "Means" is more informal and can be used in broader contexts.

When should I avoid using "is defined as"?

Avoid using "is defined as" when the meaning is already clear from the context or when providing an informal explanation rather than a strict definition.