not define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not define" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used when discussing the limitations or lack of definition in a particular concept or term. Example: The term "love" is often used but not easily defined, as it can mean different things to different people. Therefore, it is important to not define it too narrowly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He did not define "troubles".

The New York Times

Failure does not define you".

The Guardian

It does not define "unintentional".

The New York Times

Race does not define me.

The Guardian

It does not define America's strength.

The New York Times

But it did not define either term.

The Economist

Oblique messages do not define a collection.

The New York Times

Their jobs did not define them.

The New York Times - Arts

The article did not define "ordinary".

The New York Times

Legislation does not define ethical behavior.

The New York Times

The law does not define "reasonable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not define", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not being defined and why this lack of definition is important.

Common error

Avoid using "not define" without specifying what aspect or term lacks definition. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not define" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of explicit or precise definition for a term, concept, or situation. Ludwig provides many examples where laws, articles, or studies "not define" specific terms, leading to potential ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not define" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that indicates a lack of explicit definition. As highlighted by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts to point out areas of ambiguity or potential confusion. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify what is not being defined to avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "does not specify" or "fails to clarify" can offer alternative ways to express this lack of definition. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and broad applicability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not specify

Focuses on the absence of specific details or criteria.

fails to clarify

Highlights a lack of explicitness or resolution.

does not determine

Emphasizes the absence of influence or control over a particular outcome.

is not indicative of

Suggests that something does not accurately represent or reflect something else.

does not equate to

Indicates that two things are not equivalent or interchangeable.

is beyond the scope of

Highlights limitations of discussion or focus.

does not encompass

Indicates that something is excluded from a larger whole.

lies outside the definition of

Indicates that something does not meet the criteria of a definition.

does not characterize

Indicates a lack of typical or representative qualities.

is not restricted to

Emphasizes the lack of limitation to a specific area.

FAQs

How can I use "not define" in a sentence?

You can use "not define" to indicate that a term or concept lacks a clear or specific definition. For example, "The law does "not define" 'reasonable costs'."

What are some alternatives to "not define"?

Alternatives to "not define" include "does not specify", "fails to clarify", or "does not determine", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not define"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to express that something lacks a formal or precise definition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "not define" and "does not explain"?

"Not define" indicates a lack of definition for a term or concept, while "does not explain" suggests a lack of clarification or elaboration on a topic. The former focuses on the absence of a formal definition, while the latter focuses on the absence of an explanation. For example, the law does "not define" the term but "does not explain" the implications.