it is defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the meaning or parameters of a term or concept in a formal or academic context. Example: "In the context of mathematics, a function is defined as a relation that uniquely associates each element of a set with exactly one element of another set."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is defined by ITU-R recommendation BS.1534 [44].

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Rather, it is defined by its peoples, who are Muslims, Jews, Baha'is, Christians, agnostics and atheists.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is defined by the character of its leaders and the temper of the times.

The Guardian

It is defined by the syllabus.

The New York Times

It is defined, instead, by the institutionalization of satire.

The New Yorker

She believes it is defined by the concept of "inquisition".

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is defined by our hopes for the future".

The New York Times

It is defined by the following four attributes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet when John Kerry demonstrates this quality, it is defined as "wavering" and "indecisive".

The New York Times

Instead, it is defined by witless one-liners, programmed ironies and retro stabs at innovation.

The New York Times

The classic misconception of the novel is that it is defined by being a long story.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is defined", ensure the definition you provide is clear, concise, and relevant to the context in which you are writing. Avoid ambiguity and jargon.

Common error

Avoid defining a term too broadly, which can make the definition vague and unhelpful. Always provide specific characteristics or criteria that distinguish the term from others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is defined" primarily functions as a definitional marker. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces and clarifies the meaning of a specific term, concept, or entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is defined" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, especially in scientific, formal, and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is mainly used as a definitional marker, ensuring clarity and precision. When using this phrase, remember to provide clear, concise, and relevant definitions, avoiding overly broad or ambiguous explanations. Alternatives such as ""it is characterized"" or ""it is understood as"" can be used to express similar ideas with slight nuances. Mastering the appropriate use of "it is defined" will enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is characterized

This alternative focuses on the distinctive attributes or qualities of something, rather than its strict definition.

it is understood as

This phrase emphasizes a common interpretation or consensus regarding the meaning of something.

it is known as

This highlights the recognized name or designation for something, often in a specific field or context.

it is specified

This alternative implies a precise and detailed description or requirement, often in technical or formal settings.

it is explained as

This suggests a clarification or elucidation of a concept, making it easier to understand.

it is interpreted as

This highlights a particular perspective or meaning attributed to something, which may be subjective.

it is described as

This alternative focuses on providing a descriptive account of something's features or attributes.

it is identified as

This phrase highlights the act of recognizing or classifying something based on specific criteria.

it is considered to be

This suggests a general opinion or widely held belief about the nature or qualities of something.

it is regarded as

Similar to 'it is considered to be', this phrase indicates a particular viewpoint or assessment, often by a specific group or authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is defined" to introduce a formal or technical definition of a term. For example, "In mathematics, a prime number "it is defined" as a whole number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself."

What are some alternatives to "it is defined"?

Alternatives to "it is defined" include "it is characterized", "it is understood as", or "it is specified", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is defined as" or "it is defined to be"?

"It is defined as" is generally preferred because it's more concise and direct. "It is defined to be" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly more formal or verbose.

How does the formality level affect the use of "it is defined"?

While "it is defined" is suitable for formal contexts, consider using simpler terms like "means" or "is" in informal writing to maintain a conversational tone. The appropriateness depends on your audience and the purpose of your writing.