it is defined as

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is defined as" is a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
You can use it in any context where you want to introduce a definition of something. For example: "The word 'sommelier' is defined as a wine steward or a professional in charge of wine selection in a restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is defined as, where is the mean power in the wake of the swimmer.

Nature

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

The New York Times

For now, it is defined as temporary, for defensive purposes only.

The New York Times

It is defined as the goodwill available to individuals and collectives.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is defined as 100% of the holdings of "illegal" concerns such as drug cartels.

University of California, Berkeley

Often it is defined as the resistance to flow of a fluid.

Britannica

If the onset of lactogenesis occurs 72 h postpartum, it is defined as delayed.

Journal of Pharmacy Research

It is defined as a small displacement amplitude oscillatory motion between two contacting bodies.

Wear

It is defined as outside the reach of ownership and licensing.

The Economist

It is defined as "a person from a remote rural or mountainous area, esp. of the southeastern U.S".

The New York Times

In general (and for the purposes of this article), it is defined as extending southward to the coast of Antarctica.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is defined as", ensure the definition is clear, concise, and appropriate for your target audience. Avoid jargon or overly technical language if possible.

Common error

Avoid defining a term using the term itself or closely related words. This provides no new information and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is defined as" serves as a definitional phrase. It introduces a formal explanation or meaning of a term, concept, or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

23%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is defined as" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a formal definition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Primarily used to provide clarity, the phrase appears most frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register. When using "it is defined as", clarity is key; avoid circular definitions and tailor the explanation to your audience. If a less formal approach is desired, consider alternatives like "it means" or "it is understood to mean".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it means

Provides a direct and concise definition.

it can be defined as

Emphasizes possibility or permissibility in defining the term, rather than a strict definition.

the definition of it is

Inverts the sentence structure to emphasize the definition itself.

it is understood to mean

Shifts the focus to common understanding or interpretation.

we define it as

Emphasizes the act of defining by a specific entity or group.

it is characterized by

Focuses on the key attributes or features that describe something.

it is known as

Highlights the common name or designation of something.

it refers to

Indicates that the term points to or denotes something specific.

in other words

Offers a rephrasing or clarification of a previous statement.

put simply, it is

Introduces a simplified explanation.

FAQs

How do I use "it is defined as" in a sentence?

Use "it is defined as" to introduce a formal definition. For example, "Photosynthesis "it is defined as" the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy".

What are some alternatives to "it is defined as"?

You can use alternatives like "it means", "it is understood to mean", or "it is characterized by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "it is defined as" or "is defined as"?

"It is defined as" is suitable when referring to a specific term or concept, while "is defined as" can be used in broader contexts or when the subject is already clear. Both are grammatically correct, but the best choice depends on the sentence structure and emphasis.

Can "it is defined as" be used in informal writing?

While generally more formal, ""it is defined as"" can be used in informal writing when clarity and precision are needed. However, consider using simpler alternatives like "it means" for a more relaxed tone.