prevailing definition

USAGE SUMMARY

"prevailing definition" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, you might write, "The prevailing definition of friendship is a close relationship between two people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And as I pressed on to other shops, I learned something equally disconcerting: the prevailing definition of high-rise is jeans that fall a few inches below the waist.

The New York Times

So while the legal fight over same-sex marriage plays out, couples say the real battle is making relationships last — and their answers defy the prevailing definition of marriage.

The New York Times

For years, the prevailing definition of a good teacher in this country has been one whose students score well on that standardized test.

Forbes

When we talk about toxic masculinity, we're referring to the worst parts of our society's prevailing definition of what makes a man a man.

Huffington Post

The conceptual flaw in this assumption is easily seen via reductio ad absurdum: a mAb targeting an epitope present in only 5 viruses each from a different subtype would be considered extremely broad in terms of its breadth across subtypes by the prevailing definition, but would in reality have essentially no neutralization/antigenicity range among globally circulating HIV viruses.

Plosone

In most countries the prevailing definition is an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 130 or above.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This introductory entry will outline the prevailing definitions and models of disability, and discuss the epistemic and moral authority of the experiences and self-reports of people classified as disabled.

SEP

There are two prevailing definitions.

BMC Health Services Research

Contrary to many prevailing definitions, nursing care performance is not restricted to the end goals or outcomes of the nursing system, but refers also to the effectiveness of those upstream functions that provide the means necessary to achieve nursing system goals.

BMC Nursing

Even more ambitious is his archives project, using technology for Blu-ray discs (the prevailing high-definition format of DVD) that he developed with Sun Microsystems.

The New York Times

The prevailing perspectives and definitions of risk, at least in the engineering community, are based on probabilities.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the difference between "prevailing definition" and "emerging definition". "Prevailing definition" suggests a well-established understanding, while "emerging definition" indicates a definition that is still developing or gaining acceptance.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "prevailing definition" is universally accepted. A definition can be "prevailing" within a specific group or field, but may not be recognized or agreed upon by everyone. Acknowledge any limitations or alternative perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing definition" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most common or widely accepted meaning of a term or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prevailing definition" denotes the most commonly accepted meaning of a term or concept within a particular context. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to remember that even though this term may be accepted it could be beneficial to remember that the "prevailing definition" is not necessarily universally agreed upon, and alternative interpretations may exist. Understanding this is key to effective and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepted definition

Focuses on the definition being widely agreed upon, rather than necessarily being the most powerful.

dominant definition

Emphasizes the definition's power and influence, rather than its general acceptance.

common understanding

Highlights a shared agreement or interpretation, often less formal than a strict definition.

general consensus

Suggests a broad agreement among people, implying a definition formed through collective opinion.

conventional definition

Indicates a definition that adheres to established customs and norms.

established definition

Highlights the definition's long-standing existence and recognition.

current interpretation

Focuses on the present understanding of a term or concept, which may evolve over time.

reigning definition

Implies a definition that currently holds sway, often in a specific field or context.

popular conception

Refers to how a term is commonly understood by the general public, often less precise than a formal definition.

standard interpretation

Suggests a widely used and recognized way of understanding a term or concept.

FAQs

What does "prevailing definition" mean?

The "prevailing definition" refers to the most commonly accepted or dominant understanding of a term, concept, or idea at a particular time or within a specific context.

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

You can use "prevailing definition" to indicate the standard or most widely recognized meaning. For example: "The "prevailing definition" of 'sustainability' emphasizes environmental protection and social responsibility."

What are some alternatives to "prevailing definition"?

Alternatives include "accepted definition", "dominant definition", or "common understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to rely on the "prevailing definition"?

While the "prevailing definition" offers a useful starting point, it's important to recognize that definitions can evolve and may be contested. Consider the context and potential alternative viewpoints.