we define as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we define as' is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used to introduce a definition or explanation of a term. For example, "Health, we define as having an overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Namely, for a given user-defined threshold λ, we define as: (4) for each.

BioData Mining

We define as complex objects those amplitude objects bonded to random phase masks.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

We define as, which lists all the required variables to simulate the model.

Bioinformatics

ARIEL LEVY: Depends what we define as "unfair".

The New Yorker

"It went way beyond what we define as self-defence.

The Guardian

I am a bit lost about what we define as mannish now.

The New York Times - Style

"What we define as killing is the killing of healthy homeless animals".

The New York Times

Products differ in the number of countries that export them, which we define as their ubiquity.

Harvard University

If a blog is written by a fictional persona, who do we define as the author?

University of California, Berkeley

These fault systems are composed of minor faults that we define as segments.

Journal of South American Earth Sciences

The bill "violates everything we define as the rule of law or European values," the organization said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we define as" when introducing a formal definition or a specific meaning within the context of your writing. Ensure the definition is clear and concise.

Common error

Avoid using "we define as" excessively, especially when the definition is already widely understood. Opt for more concise phrasing like "is" or "refers to" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we define as" serves as a defining expression, explicitly introducing a specific meaning or interpretation of a term or concept. This is used to establish a clear understanding within a particular context. As shown in the examples from Ludwig, it's frequently employed in scientific, academic, and news contexts to specify how a term should be understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

22%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we define as" is a frequently used phrase across various domains, particularly in scientific and academic writing, to introduce a specific meaning or definition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While highly functional in clarifying terms, avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives when the definition is widely understood. The phrase ensures clarity and precision, but its formal tone is best suited for contexts that require explicit definitions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we characterize as

Emphasizes the features or qualities used to describe something; suggests a focus on essential traits.

we consider as

Highlights a particular viewpoint or assessment of something; less formal and more subjective.

we interpret as

Focuses on deriving meaning or significance from something; implies an analytical approach.

we specify as

Highlights the precise and detailed explanation of something; suitable for technical or formal contexts.

we identify as

Focuses on recognizing or categorizing something; used when pinpointing a particular type or instance.

we understand as

Focuses on the comprehension or interpretation of something; indicates a level of insight or knowledge.

we describe as

Provides a detailed account or portrayal of something; focuses on conveying information about its attributes.

we label as

Highlights the act of assigning a particular name or classification; simple and direct.

we deem as

Suggests a formal judgment or opinion; implies authority and deliberation.

we take to mean

Emphasizes the intended meaning or connotation of something; clarifies understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "we define as" in a sentence?

Use "we define as" to introduce a specific meaning or definition of a term within your writing, for example: "A megacity, "we define as" a metropolitan area with a population of 10 million or more."

What phrases are similar to "we define as"?

Similar phrases include "we characterize as", "we consider as", and "we specify as", each providing a slightly different nuance in establishing meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "we define as" when providing a definition?

No, "we define as" is most useful when clarifying a specific interpretation or establishing a unique meaning within the context of your work. Simpler phrases like "is" or "means" may suffice for commonly understood terms.

What is the difference between "we define as" and "we identify as"?

"We define as" provides a definition or explanation, while "we identify as" is used to categorize or recognize something. For example, "We define 'sustainability' as meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs," versus "We identify this approach as sustainable."