loosely define

USAGE SUMMARY

"loosely define" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate that a definition is not strict or precise. For example, "We can loosely define success as achieving personal goals." Alternative expressions include "broadly describe" and "vaguely outline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The authors loosely define the media moguls in question as the heads or former heads of the world's 15 largest media companies.

The New York Times

We can loosely define nonparametric signal processing as performing array operations on signals and spectra, as opposed to working with parametric representations such as poles and zeros.

Stanford University

We loosely define an extended source as any object larger than several times the telescope point spread function and/or encompassing a region large enough to exhibit significant variations in the detector properties.

Harvard University

These types of bonds, which are largely informational, are described by researchers as bridging social capital, which the authors loosely define as, "the formation of rather weak ties between people from different networks". Bonding social capital, on the other hand, has a more emotional tone.

University of California, Berkeley

Although we would loosely define it as a biotech company, it's vastly different in the sense that they have a product that has been in the market for quite a while.

Forbes

One area that is more developed than others is "Neurodynamics," which we loosely define as the application of techniques from dynamical systems theory to models of neurons and neural systems.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The judges' task is very loosely defined.

The New York Times - Books

Southern Baptist can be a loosely defined term.

The New York Times

This can be loosely defined as the scientific spirit.

The New York Times - Books

But this was always a loosely defined concept.

The New York Times

Clearly something is up in the loosely defined inspirational genres.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with "for the purpose of this study" or "in this context" to justify why a more rigorous definition is not being used.

Common error

Do not use "loosely define" as a shortcut to avoid doing necessary research. If a standard or legal definition exists for a term in your field, using a loose one without explanation can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

This phrase functions as a qualified verb phrase where the adverb "loosely" modifies the verb "define". In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears in the infinitive form to introduce a functional parameter for a term.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loosely define" is a versatile tool for writers who need to establish working parameters for a concept without being tied to rigid, technical constraints. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in prestigious publications like The New York Times and Harvard University. It is particularly useful in scientific and academic writing when introducing new or complex ideas that require a functional starting point. While it offers flexibility, writers should ensure they are not using it to obscure a lack of clarity in their own reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broadly define

Suggests a wider scope without necessarily implying the lack of precision found in loosely.

term loosely

Often used when applying a specific word or label in a non-technical fashion.

generally describe

More focused on common characteristics than the act of setting a definition.

roughly outline

Focuses more on the structure or parameters rather than the semantic meaning.

categorize loosely

Specifically refers to the grouping of items rather than defining a single term.

characterize broadly

Shifts the focus from definition to the description of qualities.

approximate a definition

Used when a precise definition is difficult but a near-equivalent is provided.

interpret flexibly

Focuses on how the definition is understood rather than how it is stated.

vaguely define

Suggests the definition lacks the necessary detail for clarity.

vaguely outline

Carries a slightly more negative connotation of being unclear or insufficient.

FAQs

How to use "loosely define" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a working concept, such as: "For this project, we will "loosely define" success as meeting our primary deadline."

What can I say instead of "loosely define"?

Depending on your intent, you can use alternatives like "broadly define", "broadly describe" or "vaguely outline".

What is the difference between "loosely define" and "strictly define"?

While "loosely define" allows for context-dependent boundaries, "strictly define" requires rigid, precise criteria that leave no room for interpretation.

Is it appropriate to use "loosely define" in academic writing?

Yes, it is common in Academia when a researcher needs to "roughly categorize" a variable that lacks a universal standard.