primarily defined by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primarily defined by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the main characteristics or features that determine the identity or nature of something. Example: "The success of the project is primarily defined by the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We show that the nuclear localization of IGF1R is primarily defined by its cytoplasmic domain.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research

As the last decades of the 20th century showed, the defense of American security is no longer primarily defined by sending military forces into combat.

The New York Times

In contemporary literature and music, the ballad is primarily defined by its commitment to nostalgia, community histories, and romantic love.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The structure of biopolymers is primarily defined by complex three-dimensional networks of bonds or contacts of nucleobase or peptide units.

Nature

The Sunderland quartet are still primarily defined by their only real hit, the 2004 cover of Hounds of Love, but they are finally showing signs of entering a new era.

The Guardian - Music

It is found that the error in the sensitivities is primarily defined by the error in the finite element solution not the error in the sensitivity method.

Finite Elements in Analysis and Design

We suggest tracing phylogeny of viruses along evolutionary lineages primarily defined by virion architectures and the structures of the major capsid proteins.

Trends in Microbiology

For example, the Germanic branch of Indo-European is primarily defined by Grimm-Verner's Law, and Southern US dialects by the fronting of the back unrounded vowel and monophthongization.

University of California, Berkeley

Results showed MF membrane fouling propensity to be mainly controlled by backwash frequency and flux, whereas fouling of the RO membrane was primarily defined by the pH and the recovery.

Desalination

The forecasts of a decade or more of football misery at Penn State may be overstating the case in a college sports culture that is primarily defined by continuous change.

The New York Times - Sports

Simon Pegg, the co-writer of the film, defended the film saying: "We could have introduced a new gay character, but he or she would have been primarily defined by their sexuality, seen as the 'gay character', rather than simply for who they are".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primarily defined by", ensure that the defining characteristics are clearly and concisely stated to avoid ambiguity. It is also important to remember that while the characteristic is primary, it may not be the only defining factor.

Common error

Avoid implying that the listed characteristic is the only defining factor. Using "primarily defined by" suggests it's the most important, but other elements may still contribute. Use alternatives like "solely defined by" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily defined by" serves as a linking phrase to indicate the main or most important attribute or characteristic that identifies something. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used to establish a definition based on key features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primarily defined by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight the main defining characteristics of a subject. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in scientific, news and academic sources, this phrase allows for clarity and focus in defining concepts. While the phrase denotes the most important attribute, it doesn't necessarily exclude other contributing factors. When using this expression, be clear and concise, and make sure to avoid overstating the exclusivity of the defined characteristic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily determined by

Emphasis on determination as main factor.

primarily influenced by

Highlights the elements that exert the most significant effect on something, focusing on impact.

mainly characterized by

Focuses on the key attributes that distinguish something, slightly emphasizing descriptive elements.

chiefly determined by

Highlights the factors that most significantly influence or control something, putting more weight on causality.

largely determined by

Indicates a significant but not necessarily exclusive influence, allowing for other contributing factors.

essentially constituted by

Focuses on the fundamental components that make up something, stressing its composition.

principally governed by

Highlights the rules or factors that dictate the behavior or nature of something.

predominantly shaped by

Emphasizes the forces that mold or influence something over time, suggesting a process of formation.

mostly controlled by

Implies a degree of regulation or management, where certain factors have the upper hand.

fundamentally based on

Stresses the underlying principles or foundations upon which something is built.

FAQs

How can I use "primarily defined by" in a sentence?

Use "primarily defined by" to indicate the main characteristic or feature that determines the identity or nature of something. For example, "The success of the project is primarily defined by the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

What are some alternatives to "primarily defined by"?

You can use alternatives like "mainly characterized by", "chiefly determined by", or "largely determined by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "primarily defined by" multiple factors?

Yes, while "primarily" suggests the most important factor, it doesn't exclude the presence of other contributing factors. You can list multiple factors if they collectively form the primary definition.

What's the difference between "primarily defined by" and "completely defined by"?

"Primarily defined by" indicates the most important defining characteristic, while "completely defined by" suggests that only the mentioned characteristic is relevant. Be careful not to use "completely defined by" unless it is absolutely accurate.