to define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting to clarify or provide a fuller description of a concept. For example: "We need to define the criteria for determining the target group for our new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"How to define atrocities.

The New Yorker

It's hard to define".

The New York Times - Food

We wanted to define governance.

The New Yorker

I had to define them".

Independent

He was hard to define.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes it's hard to define".

The New York Times - Arts

But how to define "merit"?

The Economist

"It's mine to define.

The New York Times

They struggle, instead, to define something else.

The New York Times - Arts

First, he had to define cheating.

The New Yorker

Mr. Maloney is harder to define.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to define", ensure that the definition is clear, concise, and appropriate for your audience. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms that may confuse readers.

Common error

Avoid defining a term using the term itself or closely related words. This provides no new information and leaves the reader without a clear understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to define" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the intention behind an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to introduce a clarification or a more complete description. It is used to express the intention to clarify or set boundaries of a concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to define" serves as an infinitive of purpose, primarily used to introduce a clear and concise explanation of a term or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When employing "to define", clarity and avoiding circular definitions are crucial for effective communication. Considering related phrases like "to specify" or "to clarify" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to specify

Emphasizes providing detailed and exact information, differing from defining by focusing on particulars.

to clarify

Suggests making something easier to understand, rather than strictly setting its boundaries.

to determine

Focuses on concluding or ascertaining something, which can involve defining as part of the process.

to delineate

Highlights marking the boundaries or limits of something, offering a more visual sense of defining.

to characterize

Stresses describing the distinctive nature or features of something, akin to defining by attributes.

to explain

Focuses on making the meaning clear and understandable, which can involve defining in the process.

to interpret

Emphasizes understanding and explaining the meaning of something, often applied to complex subjects.

to identify

Highlights recognizing or establishing what something is, a step towards or a form of defining.

to establish

Implies setting up or creating something firmly, which can include defining its purpose or nature.

to explicate

Means to analyze and develop an idea or principle in detail, very similar to a formal definition but more thorough.

FAQs

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

You can use "to define" when you want to clarify the meaning of something. For example, "The purpose of this section is "to define" key terms used in the study."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "to define"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to specify", "to clarify", or "to determine" as alternatives to "to define".

Is it always necessary to explicitly use the phrase "to define" when providing a definition?

No, you don't always need to use "to define". You can also provide a definition directly, such as "'Ecology' is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment."

How does "to define" differ from "to describe"?

"To define" is about giving the precise meaning of something, while "to describe" is about giving details or characteristics. Defining sets boundaries, while describing provides a fuller picture.