to define something as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to define something as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are attempting to explain or clarify the meaning or nature of a specific thing or idea. For example: "We must define success as more than just material gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Americans have a tendency to define something as right if they have done everything that the instruction books tell them.

The Guardian

The latter point can be particularly vexing for bigger companies with many different divisions -- each with an entrenched view on how to define something as simple as revenue.

The New York Times

To make matters worse, different kinds of scientist have different ideas about what is truly necessary to define something as alive.

BBC

Intention was the key factor necessary to define something as abuse.

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But for all the media's determination to call it a bubble, it's hard to escape the fact that you can't define something as a bubble until it bursts.

Huffington Post

If you define something as unlawful, you are going to police it in the wrong way.

The Guardian

We define something as an allergy when the body's immune system responds to a normally benign substance as though it were harmful.

Huffington Post

Before we define something as a "vaginal" orgasm, we would at the very least need to know what other stimulation is happening.

Huffington Post

Except in the United States, where defining something as property automatically entitles it to constitutional protection, there is less discussion in the Anglo-American legal system of whether a given interest or a given thing should be classified as property.

Britannica

Defining something as a global health topic doesn't make it universal.

The Guardian

So if everybody else defined something as torture, but we don't, they're wrong and we're right?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to define something as" when you want to clearly state the meaning or essential qualities of a concept, object, or idea.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where it's unclear who is doing the defining. Instead of "Something is defined as...", use "Experts define something as..." or "We define something as..." to maintain clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to define something as" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase that introduces a definition or explanation of a particular subject. As shown in Ludwig, it is used to clarify or specify the meaning, nature, or scope of a concept, object, or idea.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to define something as" is a grammatically correct and usable infinitive phrase that serves to clarify the meaning or nature of a specific entity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare, the phrase is employed across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, demonstrating its versatility. To enhance clarity and impact, avoid overuse of the passive voice when employing this phrase. Overall, "to define something as" is a valuable tool for precise communication, offering a structured way to express definitions and interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to characterize something as

Replaces "define" with "characterize", emphasizing the description of qualities or features.

to describe something as

Substitutes "define" with "describe", focusing on providing details about something.

to identify something as

Replaces "define" with "identify", highlighting the recognition of something's nature or identity.

to classify something as

Emphasizes the act of placing something into a specific category or group.

to label something as

Focuses on assigning a specific label or designation to something.

to consider something as

Replaces "define" with "consider", implying a more subjective assessment.

to regard something as

Similar to "consider", suggesting a particular viewpoint or opinion.

to interpret something as

Highlights the understanding or explanation of something in a specific way.

to view something as

Focuses on the perspective or angle from which something is seen or understood.

to understand something as

Emphasizes the comprehension of something's meaning or nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "to define something as" when you want to specify the meaning, nature, or scope of something. For instance, "Scientists often seek "to define life as" a set of specific characteristics".

What is a more formal alternative to "to define something as"?

A more formal alternative could be "to characterize something as" or "to delineate something as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, a legal document might "to delineate property as" including both tangible and intangible assets.

Is it correct to use "to define something to be" instead of "to define something as"?

While "to define something to be" might be grammatically understandable, "to define something as" is more idiomatic and commonly used. It's generally better to stick with "as" for clarity and naturalness.

What's the difference between "to define something as" and "to describe something as"?

"To define something as" typically provides a concise and essential meaning, while "to describe something as" offers a more detailed account of its features and qualities. Definition aims for precision, description for comprehensiveness.