strictly defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strictly defined" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used in formal contexts to refer to rules or definitions that are clearly and unambiguously laid out. For example, "The terms of this contract are strictly defined, leaving no room for interpretation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But chess is a game of strictly defined rules.

The New Yorker

"At home, my job was very strictly defined," she said.

The New York Times

And, nearly always, the parameters under which they work are strictly defined.

The New York Times

These new powers should be strictly defined and regularly vetted to ensure legal compliance and effectiveness.

The New York Times

Curiously, many comic-hosted podcasts are not shows that could be strictly defined as comedy.

The New Yorker

Throughout his life, Marceau was striving for perfection within strictly defined limits.

The Guardian

There was a fluidity in their world; nothing was strictly defined.

The Guardian - Music

Flamenco, for all its strictly defined musical and dance forms, is an art of extremes.

The New York Times - Arts

At American insistence, these crimes are strictly defined and there are strong safeguards against overzealous or politically motivated prosecutions.

The New York Times

In sepia-toned fantasy portraits, Joy Goldkind's costumed characters play roles that are at once strictly defined and elusive.

The New York Times

The board said the code strictly defined how sex education and related courses were to be taught.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strictly defined" when you want to emphasize the precise and unambiguous nature of a rule, term, or concept. This is particularly useful in legal, scientific, and technical writing where clarity is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "strictly defined" in casual conversation or informal writing. Alternatives like "clearly explained" or "well-understood" might be more appropriate for a less formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strictly defined" functions as an adjectival modifier, clarifying the nature of a noun by emphasizing the precision and lack of ambiguity in its definition or characteristics. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strictly defined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival modifier that serves to emphasize the clarity and precision of a definition or characteristic. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and well-established. This phrase is most commonly found in formal and scientific contexts, indicating a need for precision and a lack of ambiguity. While it is appropriate for use in legal, scientific, and technical writing, it may be less suitable for informal conversation. Related phrases such as "precisely defined" or "rigorously defined" offer alternative ways to express a similar meaning, while maintaining the formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rigorously defined

Focuses on the thoroughness and precision of the definition.

Precisely defined

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the definition.

Clearly delineated

Emphasizes the distinctness and unambiguity of the boundaries.

Specifically outlined

Indicates that the definition has been detailed with particularity.

Accurately specified

Suggests a definition that is correct and without error.

Closely defined

Highlights the attention to detail and precision in the definition.

Narrowly construed

Implies a restrictive interpretation of the definition.

Explicitly stated

Indicates that the definition is openly and directly expressed.

Definitively established

Emphasizes that the definition is firm and settled.

Fixed in meaning

Highlights the unchanging and stable nature of the definition.

FAQs

How can I use "strictly defined" in a sentence?

You can use "strictly defined" to indicate that something has a precise and clear definition. For example, "The rules of the competition are "strictly defined", leaving no room for misinterpretation."

What is a synonym for "strictly defined"?

Synonyms for "strictly defined" include "precisely defined", "rigorously defined", or "clearly delineated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "strictly defined" or "well defined"?

"Strictly defined" implies a greater degree of precision and lack of ambiguity than "well defined". Use "strictly defined" when precision is crucial. "Well defined" might be suitable when the definition is generally understood but doesn't necessarily require absolute precision.

What does it mean when something is not "strictly defined"?

If something is not "strictly defined", it means the boundaries or meaning are somewhat ambiguous or open to interpretation. This can sometimes lead to confusion or disagreement about its application.