meets the definition

USAGE SUMMARY

"meets the definition" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a subject or object that fits the criteria or meets the requirements of a specific definition. Example: "The new building meets the definition of a sustainable structure, with its use of renewable energy sources and eco-friendly materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Gladstone meets the definition of a hypocrite.

The New York Times

You won't object very much until you know who meets the definition of a "protected soul".

The Guardian - Opinion

He also meets the definition of a decent and troubled man.

The New York Times

Two consecutive quarters of falling output meets the definition of a recession.

Independent

It meets the definition of torture that existed in American law and international treaties until Mr. Bush changed those rules.

The New York Times

Although "Tamicanfly" meets the definition of a comedy, it is not remarkable for lines that evoke consistent laughter.

The New York Times

Although the EU certainly played a role in each of these situations, none meets the definition of a coup.

The Guardian - Opinion

About one-fourth of the American population meets the definition of obesity (20 percent above ideal body weight).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ken Livingstone meets the definition of a 'representative of permitted participants', so he is taking a break from co-presenting his LBC show during this time".

The Guardian

The advocacy of more violence and wars in the face of recurrent failure meets the definition of fanaticism rather than reason.

The Guardian

But let's be blunt: Sudan's behavior also easily meets the definition of genocide in Article 2 of the 1948 convention against genocide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, make sure the definition you are referencing is clearly established or understood by your audience. If not, provide the definition explicitly for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "meets the definition" loosely. Ensure that the subject truly satisfies all aspects of the definition, rather than just some. Otherwise, it may mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meets the definition" functions as a predicate in sentences, asserting that a subject conforms to or fulfills the requirements of a specified definition. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to clearly indicate that a subject satisfies all necessary requirements of a specific definition. It is commonly found in formal writing where precision is valued.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

22%

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meets the definition" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression utilized to affirm that a subject fulfills the specific criteria of a definition. As demonstrated by numerous examples across the web, with 50 exact matches according to Ludwig, it commonly appears in neutral to formal settings such as news reports, scientific literature, and business documents. Ludwig AI confirms this widespread and appropriate usage. To ensure clarity, it's essential to explicitly define the referenced definition when employing the phrase and make sure, in order to avoid confusion, that all requirements have been satisfied. For alternatives, consider options like "fits the definition" or "satisfies the criteria" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fits the definition

Emphasizes the alignment and correspondence with the criteria.

matches the definition

Highlights the perfect equivalence with the characteristics.

satisfies the criteria

Highlights fulfillment of the conditions set forth in the definition.

complies with the definition

Focuses on adherence and conformity to the established rules.

corresponds to the definition

Indicates a matching or analogous relationship.

conforms to the definition

Stresses the agreement and alignment with the parameters.

falls under the definition

Indicates the subject is included within the scope of the definition.

aligns with the definition

Implies a structured agreement with the parameters.

accords with the definition

Suggests a state of agreement or harmony.

is defined as

Focuses on how something is formally specified or classified.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "meets the definition"?

When something "meets the definition", it satisfies all the necessary criteria and requirements to be accurately classified under that specific definition. It adheres to all conditions and characteristics outlined.

How can I use "meets the definition" in a sentence?

You can use "meets the definition" to clearly state that a subject or object corresponds to a specific set of requirements. For example, "The new policy "complies with the definition" of sustainable development, as it incorporates environmental protection measures".

What are some alternatives to saying "meets the definition"?

You can use alternatives like "fits the definition", "satisfies the criteria", or ""complies with the definition"" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between saying "meets the definition" and "is defined as"?

While both phrases relate to definitions, "meets the definition" implies that something has been evaluated and found to satisfy all the criteria of a pre-existing definition. "Is defined as" is typically used to introduce or establish a new or existing definition.