provisional definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provisional definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a temporary or preliminary explanation of a term or concept that may be subject to change. Example: "In our discussion, we will start with a provisional definition of artificial intelligence to guide our analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A new provisional definition for torsional irregularity coefficient based on floor rotations is proposed.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

"Analysis of the four signals has allowed the provisional definition of a reduced and manageable search area on the ocean floor," ACM Houston said.

BBC

The actual CDE model definition is still a provisional definition because of it take actually into account only the first law of thermodynamics and the constructal law.

European Transport Research Review

Recently, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR), and the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Initiative (OMERACT) developed new remission criteria [ 8, 9], the ACR/EULAR provisional definition of remission.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

To resolve the question of their origin, we classified them into several different stages based on our provisional definition of the EM and determined whether EM should be categorized in the prognostic staging system, providing useful prognostic information to optimize the TNM classification.

BMC Cancer

Acute phase reactants are commonly used as a measure of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are part of the provisional definition of RA remission as defined by the ACR/EULAR [ 1], the ACR preliminary core set of RA disease activity measures [ 2], and the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) [ 3].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Second, units of text detailing the same issue were grouped together in analytic categories and given provisional definitions.

BMC Health Services Research

We met to agree these themes and to develop provisional definitions of the main themes, then independently reread the same transcripts to identify key issues or categories within themes, and met once again to agree working definitions of categories within themes.

BMC Health Services Research

Distribution and 5-year survival rate of 936 patients based on the EM stratified into 3 different categories is summarized in Figure 3; the difference in 5-year survival between these defined groups was not great, and the differences in the survival between different T staging under the aforementioned provisional definitions were much less than those between the values of the N stage.

BMC Cancer

The encyclical letter is a channel of ordinary teaching, not solemn and definitive, and is somewhat provisional by definition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A provisional new definition for torsional irregularity coefficient is proposed.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provisional definition" when you anticipate that more research or information will lead to a more comprehensive or accurate explanation.

Common error

Avoid treating a "provisional definition" as final or absolute. Always be prepared to update it as new information becomes available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provisional definition" primarily functions as a modifier + noun combination. The adjective "provisional" qualifies the noun "definition", indicating that the definition is temporary, preliminary, or subject to change. Ludwig examples show it's often used in academic and scientific contexts when precise meanings are still evolving.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provisional definition" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a definition that is preliminary and subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in scientific and academic contexts, signaling that the definition is not yet final. When using this phrase, ensure you're prepared to update the definition as new information arises. Consider using alternatives such as "tentative definition" or "preliminary definition" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preliminary definition

Emphasizes the initial nature of the definition, suggesting it's subject to further development.

Tentative definition

Highlights the uncertainty and potential for revision in the definition.

Temporary definition

Focuses on the limited duration or applicability of the definition.

Working definition

Suggests the definition is currently in use but may not be finalized.

Interim definition

Indicates the definition serves as a placeholder until a more permanent one is established.

Draft definition

Implies the definition is still in the process of being written or edited.

Experimental definition

Highlights that the definition is being tested and its validity is not yet confirmed.

Conditional definition

Suggests the definition is valid only under certain circumstances or conditions.

Pro tempore definition

A more formal way of saying temporary definition, often used in legal or official contexts.

Proposed definition

Focuses on the fact that definition is brought up as a suggestion and not yet accepted.

FAQs

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

You can use "provisional definition" to describe a temporary explanation of a term, such as, "The committee agreed on a "provisional definition" of 'sustainability' for the initial phase of the project."

What's a good alternative to "provisional definition"?

Alternatives to "provisional definition" include "tentative definition", "preliminary definition", or "working definition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "provisional definition" mean?

A "provisional definition" refers to a definition that is not yet final and is subject to change or refinement as more information becomes available or the concept evolves.

When should I use "provisional definition" instead of "final definition"?

Use "provisional definition" when you are presenting a definition that is still under development or subject to change. A "final definition" should only be used when the definition is considered complete and unlikely to be altered.