the definition of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the definition of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a definition of a word or concept, for example, "The definition of happiness is a feeling of contentment or joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's the definition of optimism?

The New York Times

What's the definition of madness?

Independent

The definition of dapper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The definition of contempt.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He's probably the definition of it.

The New York Times - Sports

The second is the definition of art.

The New Yorker

That is the definition of civic adolescence.

The Economist

The definition of "national security" remains sweeping.

The Economist

The definition of integrity has changed.

The New York Times

It depends on the definition of asthma.

Independent

What's the definition of a pronoun?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the definition of", ensure that the term being defined is clearly identified and that the definition provided is accurate and relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid reducing intricate concepts to overly simplistic definitions. "The definition of" a complex term often requires nuance and context to be fully understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the definition of" serves as an introductory phrase to specify or clarify the meaning of a particular term or concept. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to introduce formal or informal definitions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the definition of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce explanations of terms and concepts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and prevalent across diverse contexts, ranging from news articles to academic papers. While it can be replaced with alternatives like "the meaning of" or "defining characteristics of", it remains a straightforward and reliable way to clarify terminology. Its usage spans various registers, although is mainly used across news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaning of

Replaces 'definition' with 'meaning', focusing on the interpretation of a word or concept.

a definition for

Changes the article from 'the' to 'a', indicating one possible definition among others.

defining characteristic of

Shifts the focus to a specific trait that defines something.

what is meant by

Uses a more conversational tone to ask for clarification of a term.

the nature of

Focuses on the inherent qualities and characteristics that define something.

essence of

Emphasizes the fundamental nature or core quality of something.

interpretation of

Highlights the subjective understanding or explanation of a concept.

the idea of

Shifts the focus to the concept or notion behind something.

how to describe

Presents the task as finding the appropriate words to characterize something.

the explanation for

Focuses on providing a rationale or account of something, rather than a formal definition.

FAQs

How can I use "the definition of" in a sentence?

You can use "the definition of" to introduce the meaning of a word or concept. For example, "The definition of happiness is subjective and varies from person to person."

What's a simple alternative to "the definition of"?

A simpler alternative could be "the meaning of" or "what is meant by". For example, instead of "the definition of success", you could say "the meaning of success".

Is it correct to say "a definition of" instead of "the definition of"?

While "the definition of" implies a specific or widely accepted meaning, "a definition for" suggests one possible interpretation among many. The choice depends on the context.

How does "the definition of" differ from "defining characteristics of"?

"The definition of" provides a comprehensive explanation, while "defining characteristics of" highlights key traits that identify something. The latter is more focused on specific attributes.