it defies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it defies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that goes against expectations, norms, or logic. Example: "The complexity of the universe often defies our understanding, leaving scientists in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It defies logic.

Forbes

It defies easy description.

The Economist

It defies scientific explanation.

The New Yorker

Truly, it defies belief.

The New York Times

It defies my imagination".

The New York Times

It defies the imagination".

The Guardian

"It defies belief".

The Guardian

It defies any intellect.

The Guardian - Film

It defies easy categorisation.

The Guardian - Books

It defies natural law.

The New York Times - Arts

It defies common sense".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it defies" to emphasize the extraordinary or unexpected nature of a situation or concept. It's effective when highlighting something that surpasses normal understanding or expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "it defies" for everyday occurrences. This phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely challenge established norms or understanding, not for minor deviations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it defies" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that something actively resists or surpasses a certain standard, such as logic, explanation, or expectation. Ludwig provides many examples showing its use in contexts where conventional understanding is challenged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it defies" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively communicates that something goes against logic, expectations, or established norms. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its application extends to scientific and formal writing, underscoring its versatility. When using "it defies", consider alternatives like "it challenges" or "it contradicts" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to reserve its use for situations that genuinely warrant a strong assertion of incredulity or exceptionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it challenges

This alternative suggests a direct confrontation or questioning of something.

it contradicts

This implies a direct opposition or inconsistency.

it confounds

This suggests something that puzzles or frustrates understanding.

it resists

This conveys an active opposition or struggle against something.

it eludes

This implies something difficult to grasp or define.

it undermines

This suggests weakening or diminishing the effect of something.

it invalidates

This means to make something without value or effect.

it belies

This suggests a contradiction between appearance and reality.

it negates

This indicates making something ineffective or null.

it circumvents

This means finding a way around something.

FAQs

How can I use "it defies" in a sentence?

Use "it defies" to describe something that resists explanation or understanding, such as "The magician's trick "it defies" logic".

What phrases are similar to "it defies"?

Similar phrases include "it challenges", "it contradicts", or "it confounds", each carrying a slightly different nuance of resistance or incomprehensibility.

Is it appropriate to use "it defies" in formal writing?

Yes, "it defies" is suitable for formal writing when describing phenomena that genuinely challenge established norms or understanding. Ensure the context warrants the strong assertion.

What's the difference between "it defies" and "it challenges"?

"It defies" suggests a resistance to understanding or explanation, while "it challenges" implies a direct confrontation or questioning of something. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize incomprehensibility or opposition.