roughly define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roughly define" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide an approximate or general definition of a term or concept without going into precise details. Example: "In this context, we can roughly define 'sustainability' as the ability to meet present needs without compromising future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

5The strain point and annealing point roughly define the annealing range.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We are saying — and I think it's demonstrably true — that they roughly define the politically realistic realm of policy outcomes.

The New York Times

But on the road to recovery, one segment of the market has outpaced the rest: ultraluxury, which analysts roughly define as properties costing $7 million and up.

The New York Times

I conducted my own Schultz test by talking to Anat Admati and Charles Calomiris, prominent finance professors at Stanford and Columbia, respectively, who roughly define the opposite ends of the argument over bank regulation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Change has been even more pronounced in the narrow north-south corridor defined as central Harlem, which planners roughly define as north of 110th Street between Fifth and St. Nicholas Avenues.

The New York Times

And it would roughly define the kind of security guarantees and steps toward normalized relations an ailing President Hafez el-Assad of Syria would be willing to grant in return, a delicate balancing act for a leader who realizes he can no longer afford economic and diplomatic isolation, but fears that openness could threaten the iron control over the country he wants to pass to his son.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"The space between their views roughly defines the American center".

The New York Times - Magazine

That, roughly, defines the territory we're getting into here with "Legend of a Suicide".

The New Yorker

Of course, Midtown South, which is roughly defined as between 34th Street and Chambers Street, is also luring tenants from Midtown.

The New York Times

Millennials – roughly defined as being born between the early 1980s and early 2000s – make up an important voting bloc.

The Guardian

The gray matter of the cerebral cortex usually is divided into four lobes, roughly defined by major surface folds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "roughly define" when you want to give a general or approximate explanation, especially when precision is not critical.

Common error

Avoid using "roughly define" when you intend to provide an exact or highly technical definition. In such cases, opt for more precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly define" functions as a qualifier + verb combination. It serves to introduce a definition that is not exact but rather approximate or general. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "roughly define" is a grammatically sound and usable expression employed to introduce approximate or general definitions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedia entries, it serves to offer a simplified understanding of concepts without requiring precise detail. While alternatives like "approximately define" or "generally define" exist, "roughly define" maintains a neutral tone and is suitable when precision is not paramount. When crafting your writing, avoid using it in contexts demanding exactness, and remember that it aims to give a preliminary overview.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately define

Uses "approximately" instead of "roughly", indicating a similar level of precision.

generally define

Replaces "roughly" with "generally", suggesting a broader and less detailed definition.

loosely define

Substitutes "roughly" with "loosely", suggesting a more flexible and less strict definition.

broadly outline

Shifts from "define" to "outline", implying a sketch or summary rather than a complete definition.

sketch out

Replaces the whole phrase, indicating a brief and incomplete description.

delineate approximately

Uses "delineate" instead of "define", emphasizing the act of marking boundaries in an approximate manner.

give a rough idea

Expresses the concept as providing an initial understanding rather than a formal definition.

approximate

Focuses on the similarity and closeness to an exact value.

present a general idea

Shifts the focus to presenting a basic concept without precise details.

estimate

Implies an approximate calculation or judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "roughly define" in a sentence?

You can use "roughly define" when you want to provide an approximate or general definition, for instance: "We can "roughly define" 'artificial intelligence' as the ability of a computer to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence."

What are some alternatives to "roughly define"?

Alternatives include "approximately define", "generally define", or "broadly outline", depending on the level of detail you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "roughly define"?

It is appropriate to use "roughly define" when the context does not require a precise or exhaustive definition, and a general understanding is sufficient. It's useful when introducing a concept without getting bogged down in technicalities.

What is the difference between "roughly define" and "precisely define"?

"Roughly define" implies an approximation, while "precisely define" indicates a high degree of accuracy and detail. Use "precisely define" when an exact and unambiguous definition is necessary.