originally defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "originally defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial or first definition of a term, concept, or idea. Example: "The term 'sustainability' was originally defined in the 1980s as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The proposed scheduling approach is based on pre-defined spins of the originally defined (m,k -firm pattern.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

They were originally defined as pharmacologically active, nitrogen-containing basic compounds of plant origin.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

"I think it's every bit as rigorous as originally defined," Mr. Levy said.

The New York Times

An earlier version said the Irish constitution originally defined marriage as being between a man and a woman.

The Guardian

Two elements that originally defined performance art as a medium, unpredictability and ephemerality, were missing.

The New York Times - Arts

Glycolysis, the breakdown of sugar, was originally defined about 1930 as the metabolism of sugar into lactate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As originally defined, the kilogram was represented in the late 18th century by a solid cylinder of platinum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today, it has a spruced-up facade, but there is retail space built out onto the open plaza, which originally defined the stark rectangular form.

The New York Times

Together, these represent the originally defined suspension effect (ODSE).

Electrochimica Acta

They are originally defined to solve NP-complete problems.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

K-means was originally defined for numerical data only.

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "originally defined", ensure that you are providing context about how the definition has evolved or changed over time. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume that the "originally defined" meaning of a term is still its current or most widely accepted meaning. Always verify if the definition has been updated or superseded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "originally defined" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a passive verb. It indicates the state of having been initially defined, often setting the stage for discussing how a definition has changed or evolved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "originally defined" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. Its primary function is to introduce the initial definition of a term or concept, often to highlight its evolution over time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context and avoid assuming that the original definition remains current. Consider alternatives like "initially defined" or "first defined" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. Be aware of the potential for misinterpretation and always verify if the original definition is still applicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially defined

Replaces "originally" with "initially", emphasizing the starting point of the definition.

first defined

Emphasizes that the definition was the first one established.

formerly defined

Highlights that the definition was the previous one, possibly implying a change.

historically defined

Focuses on the historical aspect of the definition.

as it was first understood

Shifts the focus to the initial understanding rather than the formal definition.

in its original sense

Emphasizes the original meaning or interpretation.

by its initial definition

Rephrases the phrase to put emphasis on the definition itself

at its inception, defined

This phrase replaces "originally defined" with "at its inception, defined", which emphasizes the starting point when the term was defined.

as initially conceived

This option uses 'conceived' emphasizing the initial formulation of an idea or concept.

the initial definition

This phrase directly refers to "the initial definition", providing a more concise alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "originally defined" in a sentence?

Use "originally defined" to indicate the initial definition of a term, concept, or idea. For example: "The term 'artificial intelligence' was originally defined as the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior."

What are some alternatives to "originally defined"?

You can use alternatives like "initially defined", "first defined", or "formerly defined" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify when a term was "originally defined"?

No, it's not always necessary. Specify the original definition when it's relevant to highlight a change in meaning, provide historical context, or clarify potential ambiguities.

What's the difference between "originally defined" and "currently defined"?

"Originally defined" refers to the initial or historical definition of a term, while "currently defined" refers to its present-day meaning. Use both to contrast how a concept has evolved.