prevailing definition of the word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing definition of the word" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the most commonly accepted or recognized meaning of a particular word in a specific context. Example: "In contemporary discussions, the prevailing definition of the word 'sustainability' emphasizes environmental responsibility and social equity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Open co-authorship challenges the prevailing definition of authorship Open collaboration is one of the experimental ways of conducting research arising out of the open science trend.

Harvard University

That's because the prevailing definition of whiteness is stubbornly stuck in the past.

The Washington Post

What the current case allows the Court to rule is that the prevailing definition of "quid pro quo" is much too narrow.

Huffington Post

Multinational companies must fit in with the prevailing definition of Russia's national interest; they cannot hope to succeed in spite of it.

Harvard Business Review

Second, there is a serious problem with the prevailing definition of "research," a term I see used routinely by bloggers, many untrained in research methods.

Huffington Post

The prevailing definition of modularity considers a set of proteins connected working together physically or functionally to perform related functions [ 47, 52].

BMC Genomics

Definition of the word "clearance," other details.

The New Yorker

"A true definition of the word.

The New York Times

Another Tidal "exclusive" that stretched the definition of the word.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "prevailing definition of the word", ensure it accurately reflects the most widely accepted meaning within the specific context you are discussing. Consider whether specialized fields might have different definitions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "prevailing definition of the word" is universally understood. Always provide context or clarification, especially when addressing diverse audiences or interdisciplinary topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing definition of the word" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce or refer to the most commonly accepted or understood meaning of a particular term. It highlights the generally recognized interpretation within a specific context.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prevailing definition of the word" is a useful tool for establishing a common understanding of a term, as it points to the most widely accepted meaning. While grammatically correct and usable, Ludwig indicates that the phrase is not represented in its examples. Therefore, it's crucial to provide context or clarification when using this phrase, as the specific interpretation can vary. Alternatives such as "commonly accepted definition" or "generally understood meaning" can also be considered. Despite the lack of explicit examples, the phrase's structure suggests a neutral tone suitable for diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Commonly accepted definition of the term

Replaces "prevailing" with "commonly accepted" and "word" with "term", emphasizing widespread agreement.

Generally understood meaning of the word

Substitutes "prevailing definition" with "generally understood meaning", highlighting the common interpretation.

Standard definition of the word

Uses "standard" instead of "prevailing" to indicate a conventional definition.

Established definition of the word

Replaces "prevailing" with "established" to suggest a long-standing definition.

Recognized definition of the term

Uses "recognized" instead of "prevailing" and "term" instead of "word", focusing on acknowledged understanding.

Accepted meaning of the word

Shortens the phrase to emphasize the agreed-upon interpretation.

Conventional definition of the word

Replaces "prevailing" with "conventional" to highlight adherence to norms.

Widely held definition of the word

Substitutes "prevailing" with "widely held" to indicate broad acceptance.

Current definition of the word

Focuses on the present-day meaning rather than the widespread one.

Predominant definition of the word

Replaces "prevailing" with "predominant", suggesting it is the most common definition.

FAQs

How can I use "prevailing definition of the word" in a sentence?

You can use "prevailing definition of the word" to introduce a commonly accepted meaning. For example: "In modern physics, the "prevailing definition of the word" 'energy' relates to the capacity to perform work."

What's an alternative to "prevailing definition of the word"?

Alternatives include "commonly accepted definition of the term", "generally understood meaning of the word", or "standard definition of the word".

Is it appropriate to use "prevailing definition of the word" in academic writing?

Yes, it is appropriate. Using "prevailing definition of the word" is suitable for academic writing when discussing established or widely recognized meanings of terms, but ensure you provide sufficient context and cite sources as needed.

How does the "prevailing definition of the word" evolve over time?

The prevailing definition may evolve through changes in cultural understanding, scientific advancements, or shifts in societal values. For instance, the "definition of the word" "technology" has broadened significantly with digital innovations.