is understood to mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is understood to mean" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you are introducing or explaining the definition of something. For example, "The phrase 'all hands on deck' is understood to mean that everyone within the organization needs to focus their effort on a shared goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"A crescendo," therefore, means "a growing," and in music, "to make a crescendo" is understood to mean "to get louder".

The New York Times

In the countries where it is lower than 18 years, it is understood to mean "informed consent".

The New York Times

Manure is understood to mean the refuse from stables and barnyards, including both excreta and straw or other bedding material, while the term fertilizer refers to chemicals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pairing of tea and dim sum has long been traditional in China, where an invitation "to drink tea" is understood to mean eat dim sum while relaxing with friends over a leisurely late breakfast or lunch.

The New York Times

Lauber is examining whether the £1.35m was a "disloyal payment" made by Blatter "at the expense of Fifa," which is understood to mean an alleged breach of Blatter's fiduciary duties to act in the best interests of his employer.

The Guardian - Sport

In the film, "plastics" is understood to mean a cheap, sterile, ugly, and meaningless way of life, boring almost by definition — the embodiment of everything about the values of the older generation that seems repugnant to young Benjamin.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

That provision was understood to mean that active homosexuals could not serve.

The New York Times

At dinnertime, the words Greek, Chinese and Italian are understood to mean cuisines, not languages.

The New York Times

But the statement could easily be understood to mean that healthy animals are never euthanized in the U.S.

The New Yorker

Public use has long been understood to mean what it says: a road, a public school or the like.

The Economist

Of course the Russian position could be understood to mean that they prefer to lose Syria as an ally rather than be seen to abandon it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is understood to mean", ensure the explanation that follows is clear and concise. Avoid complex language in the explanation itself.

Common error

Avoid using "is understood to mean" for concepts that are already widely known or self-explanatory. Overusing it can make your writing sound condescending or redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is understood to mean" functions as a clarifier or definer. It introduces an explanation of a term or concept, ensuring the audience comprehends its specific significance. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used across various contexts to avoid misinterpretations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is understood to mean" serves as a versatile tool for clarification across various domains. Ludwig AI underlines that this phrase is a correct and helpful way to introduce definitions or explanations. Its neutral register and broad applicability, as seen in its frequent use across news, science, and encyclopedic sources, make it a valuable asset for clear communication. By understanding its function and typical usage, writers can effectively enhance clarity and prevent potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is interpreted as

Focuses on the act of interpretation rather than general understanding.

is defined as

Implies a formal definition, often found in dictionaries or legal documents.

is taken to be

Suggests a subjective interpretation or assumption.

effectively means

Highlights the practical consequence or outcome.

can be regarded as

Emphasizes a particular perspective or viewpoint.

is synonymous with

Indicates that the two terms are interchangeable.

is tantamount to

Suggests equivalence in effect or value.

boils down to

Reduces a complex concept to its simplest form.

in simpler terms means

Aims to clarify a concept by rephrasing it in an easier way.

at its core signifies

Identifies the fundamental meaning or essence.

FAQs

How can I use "is understood to mean" in a sentence?

Use "is understood to mean" to clarify a term or concept for your audience. For example, "In legal terms, 'due diligence' "is understood to mean" a thorough investigation of a company's records before a transaction."

What are some alternatives to "is understood to mean"?

You can use alternatives such as "is defined as", "is interpreted as", or "effectively means" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is understood to mean" in writing?

It's best to use "is understood to mean" when you need to explain the specific meaning of a word, phrase, or concept, especially if it has multiple interpretations or is technical in nature. For example when explaining the meaning of technical jargon.

Is "is understood to mean" formal or informal?

"Is understood to mean" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, it's crucial to consider your audience and the complexity of the concept being explained.