was defined in terms of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was defined in terms of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining a concept or term by relating it to other concepts or terms that provide clarity or context. Example: "The term 'intelligence' was defined in terms of problem-solving abilities and adaptability to new situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ecological sustainability was defined in terms of naturalness and biodiversity.

Land Use Policy

'Healthy' was defined in terms of SF-36 scores, medical judgement and blood tests.

British Homoeopathic journal

During the solution process, a characteristic time was defined in terms of system parameters.

Journal of Food Engineering

The fourth criterion developed was defined in terms of the max principal stress.

Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials

Quality of life was defined in terms of health status, psychological well-being, and activity participation.

Social Science & Medicine

The applicability of these two approximate methods was defined in terms of modal overlap.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

A uniformity factor was defined in terms of formation current density, critical current density and measured porosity.

Computational Materials Science

Traditionally, most customs and excises had "specific" rates; the tax base was defined in terms of physical units such as gallons, pounds, or individual items.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The historian David S Luft called the violence "the most revolutionary day in Austrian history", and refers to the "generation of 1927 … a generation whose adult political consciousness was defined in terms of the events of 15 July".

The Guardian - Books

This was defined in terms of the royal fisc (treasury), which had previously been the imperial fisc, and tax revenues from land and trade, which were based upon imperial practices.

Britannica

Square-wave voltammetry was first compared with the cyclic voltammetric technique and then its applicability area was defined in terms of frequency range.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was defined in terms of", ensure that the terms you are using for the definition are clear and well-understood by your audience to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using jargon or highly technical language within the 'terms of' portion of the definition, as this can obscure the meaning rather than clarify it. Aim for accessible language that provides genuine insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was defined in terms of" functions as a defining expression, clarifying the meaning of a subject by relating it to specific characteristics, components, or measurements. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from ecological sustainability to scientific measurements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

News & Media

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was defined in terms of" serves as a crucial tool for clarity and precision across various disciplines. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's frequently employed in scientific and academic contexts to provide specific parameters for understanding complex concepts. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and very common, according to Ludwig's AI analysis. To use it effectively, ensure the defining terms are themselves clear and avoid overly complex language that could obscure the intended meaning. Alternatives like "was characterized by" or "was described as" can offer nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was characterized by

Focuses on the key attributes or features used to identify something, shifting from a formal definition.

was described as

Emphasizes the qualitative aspects of a description, rather than a strict definition.

was determined based on

Highlights the factors or criteria used to make a judgment or decision.

was conceptualized as

Focuses on the theoretical or abstract understanding of something.

was understood through

Highlights the lens or perspective through which something is comprehended.

was identified according to

Indicates a specific set of rules or guidelines used for recognition.

was delineated by

Suggests a clear and precise boundary or scope established using specific parameters.

was expressed via

Indicates the means or method by which something is conveyed or represented.

was measured by

Focuses on the specific metrics or criteria used for evaluation or assessment.

was framed in the context of

Highlights the broader setting or situation in which something is interpreted.

FAQs

How can I use "was defined in terms of" in a sentence?

Use "was defined in terms of" when you want to explain what constitutes a concept or how it is measured. For example, "Success was defined in terms of client satisfaction and project completion rates."

What can I say instead of "was defined in terms of"?

You can use alternatives like "was characterized by", "was described as", or "was understood through" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, both are grammatically correct. Use "is defined in terms of" for present definitions and "was defined in terms of" for past definitions or historical contexts.

How does "was defined in terms of" differ from "was based on"?

"Was defined in terms of" specifies the elements that constitute a definition, while "was based on" indicates the foundation or rationale behind something. They are not interchangeable.