is narrowly defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is narrowly defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying that a term, concept, or category has a limited or specific meaning. Example: "In this context, the term 'sustainability' is narrowly defined to refer only to environmental practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

For the spokesmen of Ansar Dine, culture is narrowly defined.

The New York Times

Reproductive health is narrowly defined, and supplies and delivery are often inadequate.

The Guardian

In the bill, rape is narrowly defined as forced or coerced genital or anal penetration.

The New York Times

Too often this reconstruction is narrowly defined by utilitarian resource extraction and the deployment of mono-functional infrastructure.

Harvard University

In this chapter, I discuss archival research in management accounting, where "archival" is narrowly defined and "management accounting" broadly.

Handbooks of Management Accounting Research

Under the rules, a conflict diamond is narrowly defined as one sold by a rebel group to wage war against a government.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The problem can be narrowly defined.

Harvard Business Review

The Falconer bill has been narrowly defined to increase its chances of success.

The Guardian - Opinion

They should interact with and shape technology possibilities rather than be narrowly defined by them.

Computers & Education

As an institution, Dr. Cross said, Morrisville's goals have always been narrowly defined.

The New York Times

The traditional business of a bookstore had been narrowly defined as selling books.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is narrowly defined" when you want to emphasize that a term or concept has a very specific and limited meaning, often to avoid ambiguity or broaden its scope beyond the intended context.

Common error

Avoid using "is narrowly defined" when a broader, more inclusive definition is appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily restrictive and may exclude relevant aspects of the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is narrowly defined" functions as a linking verb + adverbial modifier that serves to specify or restrict the scope of a concept, term, or category. It emphasizes that the subject has a particular and limited meaning. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is narrowly defined" serves to limit the scope of a particular term or concept, as reported by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and finds usage across diverse contexts. The frequency of its appearance is uncommon. As demonstrated by examples in Ludwig, the phrase is commonly found in academic, scientific, and news media sources, reflecting a tendency towards precision and clarity in communication. When employing this phrase, ensure that a limited scope is indeed what you intend to convey, as overuse or misapplication may lead to an overly restrictive tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is specifically defined

Emphasizes the exactness and particularity of the definition.

is precisely defined

Highlights the accuracy and lack of ambiguity in the definition.

is strictly defined

Indicates a rigid and inflexible adherence to the definition.

is tightly defined

Suggests a definition with very little room for interpretation or deviation.

is particularly defined

Focuses on a specific aspect or characteristic within the definition.

is rigidly defined

Emphasizes the inflexible nature of the definition, leaving no room for variation.

has a limited definition

Highlights the restricted scope of the definition.

has a restricted definition

Points out that the definition is confined within certain boundaries.

is demarcated sharply

Focuses on the clear boundaries of the definition.

is circumscribed

Implies that the definition is carefully limited and controlled.

FAQs

How can I use "is narrowly defined" in a sentence?

Use "is narrowly defined" to indicate that a term or concept has a limited and specific meaning. For example, "In this study, 'success' "is narrowly defined" as achieving a 20% increase in sales."

What are some alternatives to "is narrowly defined"?

Alternatives include "is specifically defined", "is precisely defined", or "has a limited definition". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is narrowly defined"?

It's appropriate when you need to clarify that a term has a restricted meaning, especially in contexts where the term might be interpreted more broadly. This helps to avoid misunderstanding and maintain focus.

What's the difference between "is narrowly defined" and "is broadly defined"?

"Is narrowly defined" indicates a limited and specific meaning, while "is broadly defined" suggests a more inclusive and general interpretation. The choice depends on the desired scope and clarity of your definition.