is defined in relation to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is defined in relation to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when explaining or defining a concept or idea in relation to another concept or idea. Example: "The concept of success is often defined in relation to wealth and status."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I think the semicolon is more easily understood if it is defined in relation to the colon rather than to the comma.

The New Yorker

It appears that a very simple classification is defined in relation to the concept of "discrete pneumatic structures".

Tensegrity Structural Systems for the Future

With the addition of MODIS land surface temperature (LST) data, available at high temporal resolution, a move away from or toward more sustainable urban forms is defined in relation to mitigation of the urban heat island.

International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment

The Internet as a product and presentation of society consequently informs how the user is defined in relation to the technology.

Johns Hopkins University

However, the notion of vermin/hai is defined in relation to human interests and human activities in an ecosystem.

Lingua Sinica

A given pixel pi is defined in relation to the segments in S1 and S2 that contain that pixel.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

These interactions of mechanical structure and function are defined in relation to pressure-related cardiac events observed from aortic, left ventricular, and left atrial recordings.

Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

The main focus of the questions was to understand health professional feelings towards the MECC initiative and delivering brief lifestyle behaviour change advice, which for the purpose of this study was defined in relation to smoking and obesity-related behaviours as these were a priority focus for the hospital.

BMC Pediatrics

Proper functions are relational, where this means that they are defined in relation to features of the environment.

SEP

Almost without fail women were defined in relation to men.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm tracking the ways U.S. identities are being defined in relation to religion.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is defined in relation to" to establish clear connections between concepts, especially when explaining complex ideas or theories. For example, "In this context, success is defined in relation to personal fulfillment rather than monetary gain."

Common error

Avoid using "is defined in relation to" for straightforward definitions. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. For instance, instead of saying "A cat is defined in relation to the feline family", simply state "A cat is a member of the feline family".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is defined in relation to" functions as a relational descriptor, indicating that the meaning or understanding of one concept relies on its connection to another. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

22%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is defined in relation to" serves as a crucial tool for establishing connections and dependencies between concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence in scientific, academic, and news contexts underscores its utility in formal discourse. While frequently used to add layers of meaning, overuse in simple definitions should be avoided. Remember, clarity is key and the phrase should be implemented when understanding the relationship of concepts. Alternatives like "is understood with respect to" or "is contingent upon" can provide nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is understood with respect to

Replaces "defined" with "understood" and "relation" with "respect", focusing on comprehension rather than strict definition.

is contextualized by

Highlights how something gains meaning from its surrounding circumstances, implying a broader interpretative framework.

is contingent upon

Emphasizes the dependency of one thing on another, where the first is subject to the second.

is dependent on

Focuses on the reliance of one element on another for its existence or function.

is associated with

Suggests a connection or correlation without necessarily implying a strict definition.

is viewed in light of

Highlights how something is interpreted or considered based on another factor.

is connected to

Indicates a link or association between two or more things.

is framed by

Suggests that something is understood within a particular context or set of ideas.

is shaped by

Implies that something is influenced or molded by another factor.

is a function of

Indicates that something varies or depends on another variable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is defined in relation to" for clarity?

Consider alternatives like "is understood with respect to", "is contingent upon", or "is dependent on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is defined in relation to"?

Use "is defined in relation to" when you need to explain a concept by showing its connection to another, especially when that connection provides essential context or meaning. This is helpful when the meaning of something is clarified by contrasting or comparing it to something else.

What's the difference between "is defined in relation to" and "is associated with"?

"Is defined in relation to" implies a dependency or a key connection for understanding, while "is associated with" simply suggests a correlation or link without implying that one defines the other.

Is "is defined in relation to" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is defined in relation to" can sound formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "is connected to" or "is linked to" might be more appropriate.