without a precise meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a precise meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, terms, or phrases that lack clarity or specific definition. Example: "The term 'freedom' can often be interpreted in various ways, sometimes leaving it without a precise meaning in certain contexts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This usage leads to confusion, because equilibrium has such a precise meaning in thermal physics.

Advances in Space Research

Once upon a time (like, three months ago), "fake news" had a precise meaning.

The Washington Post

Energy has a precise meaning in physics that does not always correspond to everyday language, and yet a precise definition is somewhat elusive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both tautologies – known in the puffed-up jargon of linguistics as "contrastive focus reduplications" – have a precise meaning.

The Guardian - Books

That term - "limited combustibility" - has a precise meaning.

BBC

To give a precise meaning of this problem, we introduce the notion of solution of (4.1).

Advances in Difference Equations

Her lean has a precise meaning, signaling that she wants to get in an aside before finishing her tale.

Science Magazine

To define a precise meaning for input and output datapoints far beyond standardized variable types, semantic types are introduced.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The problem, Massachusetts Governor Thomas Hutchinson later remarked, is that subordination, quote, "was a word without any precise meaning to it". Okay?

Yale University

If you select a word from a thesaurus without knowing its precise meaning or allow a spell checker to correct spelling automatically, you may make wrong-word errors.

Stanford University

10 Definitions are important, but confidence and competence are often simultaneously measured without clarity in their precise meaning.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "without a precise meaning", ensure the context clearly indicates what concept or term lacks a specific definition, enhancing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming that readers are aware that a term lacks a precise meaning. Explicitly state this to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a precise meaning" functions as a prepositional phrase typically used to modify a noun or clause, indicating that something lacks a clearly defined or exact interpretation. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often describes abstract concepts or terms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without a precise meaning" serves to denote the absence of a clear or exact definition for a term or concept. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the term lacking precision. While alternatives such as ""lacking a specific definition"" or ""devoid of clear meaning"" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. In essence, this phrase is most effectively used to signal the need for greater clarity or further exploration of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking a specific definition

Focuses on the absence of a particular definition, rather than the precision.

devoid of clear meaning

Emphasizes the absence of clarity in the meaning.

lacking a well-defined sense

Highlights the absence of a clearly established sense or interpretation.

ambiguous in its significance

Highlights the uncertainty and multiple possible interpretations.

without a definite interpretation

Focuses on the lack of a single, fixed interpretation.

not clearly defined

States directly that something lacks a clear definition.

vague in meaning

Indicates a lack of clarity and precision in the meaning.

ill-defined in terms

Highlights that the terms used are not well-defined.

lacking semantic clarity

Emphasizes the absence of clear semantic content.

undefined in its scope

Indicates that the limits or extent of the meaning are not clear.

FAQs

How can I use "without a precise meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "without a precise meaning" to describe terms or concepts that lack a clear definition. For example, "The term 'organic' is often used in marketing, but it's "without a precise meaning" in many contexts."

What are some alternatives to "without a precise meaning"?

Alternatives include "lacking a specific definition", "devoid of clear meaning", or "ambiguous in its significance". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "without a precise meaning" or "lacking a clear definition"?

Both phrases are suitable, but "without a precise meaning" may emphasize the absence of exactness, while "lacking a clear definition" focuses on the absence of clarity. Choose the one that best fits the nuance you intend to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "without a precise meaning"?

It's appropriate when discussing concepts, terms, or phrases that lack a clear or specific definition, often leading to potential misinterpretations or requiring further clarification.