precisely define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need for a clear and exact definition of a term or concept. Example: "In order to avoid confusion, it is essential to precisely define the key terms used in this study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The survey did not precisely define what constitutes a nap.

The New York Times

International laws don't precisely define "terrorism" and "assassination".

The New York Times

There is thus no way to precisely define an upper limit of exercise for an average healthy individual.

The New Yorker

THERE'S good weird and bad weird, and no one can precisely define the line between the two until it starts to get, well, weird.

The New York Times - Style

Participants will be tested periodically for up to three years with angiograms and intravascular ultrasound, a three-dimensional imaging method to precisely define how much scar forms.

The New York Times - Health

The president and vice president did not precisely define the "middle class," a term used in conversation and politics to describe aspirations as well as income levels.

The New York Times

They said that until the Home Office could precisely define its requirements it was very difficult to speculate on the feasibility or the costs involved.

The Guardian

What no commission of inquiry can precisely define is the responsibility of the ordinary soldiers who were nearby, witnessing the slaughter and allowing it to continue.

The New York Times

More precisely, define for,, and, (1.15).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

One difficulty is to precisely define this region.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

This inability to precisely define a concept such as race represents a risk for personal analytics.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely define" when you need to establish unambiguous boundaries for a concept, term, or process. It signals a commitment to clarity and leaves no room for interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or verbose language when trying to "precisely define" something. The goal is clarity, not complexity. Ensure your audience can understand the definition without needing further clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely define" functions as a verb phrase emphasizing the need for accuracy and clarity in establishing the meaning of a term or concept. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "precisely define" is a versatile and frequently used expression that emphasizes the need for accuracy and clarity when establishing the meaning of a term or concept. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields like science, news media, and formal business settings. When aiming to avoid ambiguity and ensure a shared understanding, choosing to "precisely define" your terms is a solid strategy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define with precision

Reorders the words to place emphasis on the precision of the definition.

clearly delineate

Focuses on establishing distinct boundaries or limits with clarity.

accurately specify

Emphasizes the correctness and exactness of the specification.

exactly determine

Highlights the act of finding out or establishing something with precision.

explicitly state

Focuses on expressing something directly and without ambiguity.

specifically outline

Emphasizes providing a detailed plan or summary with particularity.

rigorously establish

Highlights the use of strict and thorough methods to confirm something.

pinpoint

Suggests identifying something with great accuracy and focus.

crystallize the definition

Implies refining a definition until it is clear and precise.

lay down the terms

Focuses on setting out specific conditions or stipulations.

FAQs

How can I use "precisely define" in a sentence?

You can use "precisely define" to emphasize the need for a clear and exact definition of a term or concept. For example: "In order to avoid confusion, it is essential to "precisely define" the key terms used in this study."

What's a good alternative to "precisely define"?

Alternatives to "precisely define" include "clearly delineate", "accurately specify", or "exactly determine", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "precisely define" or "clearly define"?

Both "precisely define" and "clearly define" are correct, but "precisely define" emphasizes a higher degree of accuracy and leaves even less room for ambiguity.

Why is it important to "precisely define" terms in academic writing?

In academic writing, to "precisely define" terms ensures that your audience understands the concepts exactly as you intend them, which is crucial for the validity and reliability of your research.