provide a definition for

USAGE SUMMARY

"provide a definition for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when asking someone to explain or give a meaning for a word or concept. For example: "Can you please provide a definition for the word 'resilience'?" or "In this essay, I will provide a definition for the term 'cultural appropriation'."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In this paper, the authors provide a definition for process control in CNC manufacturing and identify the challenges in achieving process control in current CNC manufacturing scenario.

Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

Furthermore, we provide a definition for the term "cloud-native application" which takes all findings, insights of analyzed publications and already existing and well-defined terminology into account.

Journal of Systems and Software

(b) By January 21 , 1997 New Mexico shall further revise NMSA 69-25B-3.B to provide a definition for "eligible lands and water" that is consistent with the term as defined at section 404 of SMCRA.

Cornell University

Current laws do not provide a definition for whether an alleged victim is "incapable", meaning it is a matter for a jury to decide whether the complainant was so intoxicated as to be incapable of granting consent.

Independent

It's hard to provide a definition for vehicle subscription simply because it's such an embryonic concept.

Forbes

Specifically, governments could provide a definition for managed land and implementation criteria.

Carbon Balance and Management

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

None of the therapeutic randomized trials or TRM studies provide a definition of TRM for this population.

BMC Cancer

Also, the authors failed to provide a definition of severe CAP used for ICU admission.

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Based on this discussion, we provide a definition of globalization which best accounts for contemporary patterns of global interdependence.

Cornell University

It provides a definition for polyhedral reciprocal form and force diagrams that allows including external forces and discusses their geometrical and topological characteristics.

Computer-Aided Design

In contrast, the glossary was one of the sections that provided a definition for all but one of these seven books.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide a definition for", ensure that the definition you are offering is clear, concise, and relevant to the context. It's helpful to support your definition with examples or illustrations.

Common error

Avoid simply explaining a concept when you are asked to "provide a definition for". A definition should be a concise statement of the meaning of a term, not an extended discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a definition for" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the act of defining a specific term or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to set the stage for explaining what something means. The examples show its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide a definition for" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a definition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's particularly common in scientific, news, and business contexts, emphasizing clarity and precision. While alternatives like "offer a definition for" or simply "define" exist, "provide a definition for" sets a clear expectation for what follows: a concise explanation of a term's meaning. Remember, a good definition is clear, concise, and contextually relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a definition for

A more informal way of saying "provide a definition for".

propose a definition for

Focuses on suggesting a definition that may not be universally accepted yet.

offer a definition for

Presents a definition for consideration, similar to "provide" but slightly more formal.

present a definition of

Highlights the act of showing or introducing a definition.

formulate a definition for

Focuses on the careful and precise creation of a definition.

develop a definition for

Emphasizes the process of creating or refining a definition.

establish a definition for

Highlights the act of making a definition recognized and accepted.

define

A concise verb that directly indicates the action of providing a definition.

explicate the meaning of

Focuses on explaining the meaning in detail.

elucidate the concept of

Emphasizes making the concept clear and understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "provide a definition for" in a sentence?

You can use "provide a definition for" when you're asking someone to explain the meaning of something, or when you're stating that you will explain it. For example: "Can you provide a definition for 'quantum entanglement'?" or "This section will provide a definition for 'artificial intelligence'.

What are some alternatives to "provide a definition for"?

Alternatives include "offer a definition for", "develop a definition for", "establish a definition for", or simply "define" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "provide a definition for" or "provide a definition of"?

"Provide a definition for" is generally used when the focus is on what needs to be defined. "Provide a definition of" is also acceptable, but less common. Both are grammatically correct, but the slight difference in preposition can subtly shift the emphasis.

What's the difference between "provide a definition for" and "explain"?

"Provide a definition for" implies giving a concise meaning, while "explain" suggests a more detailed and comprehensive description. You might "provide a definition for" a term, then "explain" its implications.