was defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"was defined" is a perfectly valid sentence fragment in written English.
You use it when you want to indicate that something has been previously determined or specified in some way. For example, "The scope of the project was defined in the initial proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Victim" was defined broadly.

The New York Times

It was defined by hardware.

The New Yorker

Ms Das was defined as dusky.

The Economist

The historic region was defined as Classico.

The New York Times - Food

The Brioni look was defined and refined.

The New York Times

"Artwork was defined by its ideological value.

The New York Times - Arts

This episode was defined by looks.

The Guardian

Her case was defined as "atypical".

The New York Times - Books

Consequently, my childhood was defined by race.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That moment was defining for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Your role is defined.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was defined", ensure that the context clearly specifies who or what established the definition to provide clarity and authority.

Common error

Avoid using "was defined" when referring to actions or processes that are currently ongoing. Instead, use "is being defined" or "is defined" depending on the intended meaning and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was defined" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a definition was given or established by someone or something. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's frequently used in formal and academic contexts to specify how a term or concept has been determined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was defined" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase indicating that a specific meaning or scope has been established. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in scientific, news, and academic contexts, signaling reliance on a recognized authority. Alternatives such as "was determined", "was specified", and "was established" can be used to convey slightly different nuances. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify who or what established the definition. Common errors include incorrect tense usage, so be mindful of whether the definition is ongoing or completed. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was determined

Focuses on the act of finding something out definitively, rather than setting a boundary or meaning.

was specified

Implies a higher degree of precision and detail in the initial setting of the definition.

was established

Highlights the act of setting something up as a standard or norm.

was designated

Focuses on the act of officially assigning a particular role or status.

was characterized

Emphasizes the description of the main qualities of something, rather than a strict definition.

was identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or discovering something's existence or nature.

was clarified

Suggests that something was made easier to understand by removing ambiguities.

was explained

Focuses on making something understandable, rather than formally defining it.

was interpreted

Highlights a particular understanding or perspective applied to something.

was understood as

Indicates a shared or common comprehension of something, rather than a formal definition.

FAQs

How do I use "was defined" in a sentence?

Use "was defined" to indicate that a specific meaning, scope, or characteristic has been established. For example, "The term 'sustainability' was defined by the UN in 1987".

What are some alternatives to "was defined"?

You can use alternatives like "was determined", "was specified", or "was established" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "is defined" instead of "was defined"?

Yes, both are correct but have different meanings. "Is defined" refers to a current or ongoing definition, while "was defined" refers to a definition established in the past. Choose the tense that accurately reflects when the definition was established.

What's the difference between "was defined" and "is being defined"?

"Was defined" indicates a completed action of defining something, while "is being defined" suggests that the definition process is currently in progress. The choice depends on whether the definition is finalized or still evolving.