understood in terms of

USAGE SUMMARY

"understood in terms of" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to interpret or explain something according to a particular framework or perspective. Example: The concept of "beauty" can be understood in terms of cultural ideals and societal norms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All of these strategies can be understood in terms of profit maximization," Mr. Grundfest said.

The New York Times

I heard a movement being made, a movement I understood in terms of clumsiness.

The New Yorker

China's relationship with western countries can be fruitfully understood in terms of a struggle for acceptance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here efficiency is understood in terms of standardisation and narrow economic and bureaucratic judgements.

The Guardian

But I definitely feel I'm more understood in terms of my role in the team now.

The Guardian - Sport

This global seismicity distribution is best understood in terms of its plate tectonic setting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, public justification is understood in terms of publicity.

SEP

Rationality is sometimes understood in terms of acting for reasons.

SEP

Here, however, it may be understood in terms of striving.

SEP

were also understood in terms of hard work and sacrifice.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

The course can be understood in terms of three categories.

Visualization in Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "understood in terms of", ensure the framework or perspective you're referencing is clear to your audience. Avoid vague or ambiguous references.

Common error

Avoid nesting multiple prepositional phrases within a sentence using "understood in terms of". This can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-read sentences. Break down complex ideas into simpler statements for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood in terms of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a framework, perspective, or set of criteria used to interpret or explain a concept, situation, or phenomenon. Ludwig AI indicates its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "understood in terms of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to provide context and interpretation. According to Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure that the framework you're referencing is clear to your audience to avoid ambiguity. While common, strive for concise sentence structures. Alternatives like "viewed in the context of" or "interpreted through the lens of" can add nuance. Mastering the use of "understood in terms of" enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

viewed in the context of

Highlights the surrounding circumstances or setting that influence interpretation.

framed in terms of

Suggests that something is presented or structured in a particular way to facilitate understanding.

conceptualized within the framework of

Stresses the theoretical or structured system used for understanding.

considered from the standpoint of

Draws attention to a specific viewpoint or position influencing understanding.

interpreted through the lens of

Emphasizes a particular perspective or viewpoint that influences understanding.

elucidated in light of

Indicates that new information or evidence clarifies understanding.

defined with regard to

Implies a more formal or precise definition based on specific criteria.

evaluated in relation to

Focuses more on assessment against a specific standard rather than general comprehension.

contextualized by

Focuses on providing background information to aid in understanding.

explained by means of

Highlights the method or tool used to clarify something, rather than the conceptual framework.

FAQs

How can I use "understood in terms of" in a sentence?

Use "understood in terms of" to explain a concept or situation from a specific perspective or framework. For example: "The economic crisis can be understood in terms of global market fluctuations."

What are some alternatives to saying "understood in terms of"?

You can use alternatives such as "viewed in the context of", "interpreted through the lens of", or "explained by means of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "understood in terms of" or "understood by"?

"Understood by" indicates who comprehends something, while "understood in terms of" explains the framework used for comprehension. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "understood in terms of" and "defined as"?

"Defined as" provides a direct and specific definition, while "understood in terms of" offers a broader interpretation within a particular context. For example, a term can be "defined as" a specific measurement, but "understood in terms of" its implications.