ultimately define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ultimately define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the final or conclusive meaning or interpretation of something. Example: "The research findings will ultimately define the future direction of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How do you ultimately define shareholder value?

Harvard Business Review

But it is the Rubio situation that may ultimately define his career.

The New York Times - Sports

But the answers to questions about Earnhardt and Busch could ultimately define the year.

The New York Times - Sports

What he does at those intersections in the next six to twelve months is what will ultimately define today's speech.

The New Yorker

It is perhaps not a lack of focus but a lack of patience that will ultimately define us.

The New York Times

Carefully designed clinical trials are needed to evaluate these potential applications, and will ultimately define the value of this terminology.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Additional studies and wider use of the staging system will ultimately define its role in the treatment of SDB.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

His imaginative re-creation of this period argues that speed — both literal and figurative — came to typify and, ultimately, define modern life.

The New Yorker

But the next 12 months are likely to be more critical yet with politicians and pundits predicting that 2013 will ultimately define whether Athens remains in the eurozone.

The Guardian

Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein quality and quantity control will ultimately define new therapeutic strategies to human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Cornell University

The balance of end-user requirements which result in multiple design options will ultimately define the configuration of 36-/42-V 36-/42-V 36-/42-Ves used in future vehiclead acid

Journal of Power Sources

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ultimately define" to convey a sense of finality or a long-term perspective when explaining how something will be judged or understood in the end.

Common error

Avoid using "ultimately define" when describing short-term or immediate effects. The phrase is most effective when referring to lasting impacts or conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ultimately define" functions as a verb phrase indicating the final or conclusive determination of something's nature, scope, or value. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating its grammatical soundness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ultimately define" is a versatile and commonly used expression that conveys the idea of a final or conclusive determination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's prevalent in various contexts, from science and news to formal business settings. While alternatives like "finally determine" or "conclusively establish" exist, "ultimately define" carries a nuanced emphasis on long-term impact. When using the phrase, remember to reserve it for scenarios where the impact is lasting and significant. Its broad applicability and neutral register make it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finally determine

Emphasizes the act of reaching a final decision or conclusion.

conclusively establish

Highlights the act of proving or demonstrating something in a way that leaves no doubt.

definitively determine

Stresses the authoritativeness and finality of the determination.

essentially shape

Focuses on the fundamental influence on the form or character of something.

fundamentally determine

Highlights the foundational role in the determination process.

decisively influence

Emphasizes the impactful effect and directional control exerted.

primarily establish

Highlights the primary aspect of establishing a final conclusion.

critically shape

Emphasizes the crucial role in shaping the character or outcome.

eventually determine

Focuses on the time aspect, highlighting that the determination occurs at the end.

ultimately shape

Focuses on the result, where something takes a definitive form.

FAQs

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

You can use "ultimately define" to describe how a final outcome or key characteristic will shape the understanding or judgment of something. For example, "The choices we make today will "ultimately define" our future."

What are some alternatives to "ultimately define"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "finally determine", "conclusively establish", or "definitively determine".

Is it better to use "ultimately define" or "finally define"?

"Ultimately define" suggests a long-term or fundamental definition, while "finally define" simply indicates a definition that comes at the end. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the long-term impact or the timing of the definition.

What does it mean when something "ultimately defines" something else?

It means that the first thing is the most important factor in establishing the identity, nature, or value of the second thing. It implies a conclusive and lasting impact.