possess definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possess definition" is not commonly used in written English. It could be used in contexts discussing ownership of a specific meaning or interpretation. For example: "To truly understand the concept, one must possess definition of the key terms." Alternative expressions include "hold meaning," "have definition," and "carry definition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These simplifications are maintained also for structures made of fibre reinforced composite materials which possess by definition a heterogeneous finescale architecture.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

So here's the provisional but disquieting conclusion I draw from this encounter: the government of the United Kingdom appears not to possess a definition of the principle which sits at the heart of environmental protection and environmental law.

The Guardian

Therefore, in spite of any disadvantages which it may possess, this definition is better adapted than others to the study of many problems in double sequences and series.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Beta-lactams are a broad class of antibiotics, which possess (by definition) the β-lactam ring in their structure.

BMC Genomics

Mr. Gilberto possesses the definition of a "head" voice, and much of his singing has a nasal quality suggesting a muted trombone.

The New York Times - Arts

Peptides possess advantageous chemical definition, access to non-native chemistries, amenability to de novo design, and applicability within parallel approaches.

Biomaterials

All calpain homologues by definition possess the "peptidase_C2" domain, the domain that bears the active site residues and performs the proteolytic activity.

Biology Direct

The occurrence of telomere-DSB fusion is also consistent with our observation of increased chromosomal terminal deletions upon tankyrase 1 depletion, as some of these unrejoined terminal fragments, which by definition possess a telomere, become involved with IR-induced DSBs or vice-versa.

Aging

It studies sets which possess relatively simple definitions (in contradistinction to the ideas of arbitrary sets and various higher power-sets, which the semi-intuitionists rejected as meaningless) called projective or analytic sets.

SEP

Since geometrical objects are not universal, but particulars, and since by definition they possess extension, Proclus argues that their place is human imagination (phantasia).

SEP

Also it is easy to see that the mappings ψ ( t ) possess all properties in Definition 2.3, as well as hypotheses (v), (vi), and (vii) in Theorem 2.1.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically sound, consider whether more common alternatives like "have a definition" or "contain a definition" might be clearer and more readily understood by your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "possess definition" in informal contexts. It can sound overly formal or stilted when simpler alternatives are available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possess definition" functions as a verb-noun combination where "possess" acts as a transitive verb taking "definition" as its direct object. While grammatically valid, its usage is less frequent than similar phrases. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase isn't very common, suggesting it may sound somewhat formal.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "possess definition" is grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates it's not commonly used. It serves to indicate that something has a specific meaning, but simpler alternatives like "have a definition" are generally preferred, especially in informal contexts. Given its relatively formal tone, consider the audience and context when choosing between "possess definition" and its alternatives. The data shows that there are no exact matches for the phrase in the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a definition

This is a more common and straightforward alternative to "possess definition".

hold a definition

Similar to 'have a definition', but may imply a more temporary or contextual meaning.

include a definition

Focuses on the inclusion of a definition within a larger context.

contain a definition

Suggests that a definition is an element within something else.

embody a definition

Implies that something serves as a perfect example of a particular definition.

exhibit a definition

Highlights that something shows or displays a particular definition.

offer a definition

Focuses on providing or presenting a definition.

present a definition

Similar to 'offer a definition', but may imply a more formal presentation.

encompass a definition

Indicates that something covers or includes a definition within its scope.

constitute a definition

Suggests that something forms or makes up a definition.

FAQs

What does "possess definition" mean?

The phrase "possess definition" means to have or contain a specific meaning. However, it is not a commonly used phrase; alternatives like "have a definition" are more frequent.

What can I say instead of "possess definition"?

You can use alternatives like "have a definition", "contain a definition", or "include a definition depending on the context.

Is "possess definition" formal or informal?

The phrase "possess definition" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "have a definition". Consider your audience and the context when choosing which phrase to use.

How can I use "possess definition" in a sentence?

While grammatically correct, it's more common to say something like, "This term "has a specific definition"" rather than "This term "possesses a specific definition"". The former sounds more natural.