tentative definition

USAGE SUMMARY

"tentative definition" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a definition that is not final and may change upon further examination or discussion. For example, "The tentative definition of the term will be refined after further research." Alternative expressions include "provisional definition" and "preliminary definition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Let me now refine that tentative definition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Working her way through a thicket of theologies and ideologies, she offers in language that is a mix of Bible and Bill Moyers, of New Testament and New Age, a tentative definition of what she believes.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the INTERMAGNET meeting that followed, also in Sopron, a tentative definition of QD data was coined as "... data corrected using temporary baselines shortly after their acquisition and very near to being the final data of the observatory".

Earth, Planets and Space

Other cities need to do their fair share". Those in transitional housing, including people who live in Costa Mesa motels, would not qualify for services under the tentative definition.

Los Angeles Times

This enabled a tentative definition of further inhibitory and non-inhibitory epitopes.

Bioscience Reports

Using a tentative definition, of cement mantle thickness less than 1 mm along any of the 29 test lines (in the ceramic study), 9 of 10 unflanged cups, and just 2 of 10 flanged sockets showed bottoming out (p = 0.002).

Acta Orthopaedica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Cell death could be classified into apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, cornification and tentative definitions of atypical cell death modalities.

Cell Death and Disease

Interestingly, new tentative sepsis definitions also included a "response" item, like in the PIRO concept (predisposition, infection, response, and organ dysfunction) [6].

Annals of Intensive Care

Mainstream geographical research does not seem interested yet in systematically elaborating tentative new definitions of urban places, classifying them by an original scheme and creating a new urban vocabulary by applying a historical, critical and humanist approach.

City, Territory and Architecture

Interestingly, new tentative sepsis definitions also included a "response" item, like in the PIRO concept (predisposition, infection, response, and organ dysfunction) [ 6]. "Symptoms" such as heart rate, respiratory frequency, and band forms were retained in a PIRO score utile for stratification of critically ill patients and outcome prediction [ 7].

Annals of Intensive Care

Our aim is to introduce the existing and emerging technologies, illustrated by a few examples, in order to propose a tentative analysis and definition of the fallout of NICT over the whole engineering profession and training.

Mécanique & Industries

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "tentative definition", clearly state that it is subject to revision and further refinement. This sets appropriate expectations for your audience.

Common error

Avoid treating a "tentative definition" as a final, established concept. Prematurely solidifying a definition can hinder further exploration and limit understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative definition" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a definition presented as provisional or subject to change. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse contexts, from scientific data analysis to policy discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentative definition" is a noun phrase used to describe a definition that is preliminary and subject to change. It is most frequently used in scientific, academic, and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. When employing this phrase, remember to emphasize its provisional nature and be open to revisions as new information emerges. Consider alternatives such as "preliminary definition" or "provisional definition" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary definition

Emphasizes the initial stage of the definition, suggesting it's subject to change.

provisional definition

Highlights the temporary nature of the definition, pending further information.

working definition

Suggests the definition is currently in use but not yet finalized.

initial definition

Focuses on the definition being the first attempt or starting point.

rough definition

Implies the definition lacks precision and detail.

approximate definition

Indicates the definition is not exact but close enough for practical purposes.

proposed definition

Highlights the definition as being put forward for consideration.

experimental definition

Suggests the definition is being tested or tried out.

undeveloped definition

Implies that the definition is in an early stage of formation and lacks detail.

pilot definition

Suggests that the definition is being used for a limited or experimental purpose.

FAQs

What does "tentative definition" mean?

A "tentative definition" is a preliminary or provisional definition that is subject to change or refinement as more information becomes available or as understanding evolves.

What can I say instead of "tentative definition"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary definition", "provisional definition", or "working definition" depending on the context.

How to use "tentative definition" in a sentence?

You might say, "The scientist proposed a "tentative definition" of the new phenomenon, acknowledging that further research was needed to fully understand it".

Is it appropriate to use "tentative definition" in formal writing?

Yes, "tentative definition" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when presenting initial or evolving concepts in research papers, reports, or academic discussions.