Collocations for definition - noun
ADJECTIVE
careful,
clear,
concise,
exact,
precise,
unambiguous
The term ‘partner’ requires careful definition.
The author provides a clear definition of cultural awareness.
The term ‘partner’ requires careful definition.
The author provides a clear definition of cultural awareness.
comprehensive,
exhaustive (BrE),
inclusive
adequate, satisfactory
broad, expanded, expansive (esp. AmE), loose, wide
narrow, rigid, rigorous, strict
According to a strict definition, the expenses of a self-employed person can be deducted from tax.
adequate, satisfactory
broad, expanded, expansive (esp. AmE), loose, wide
narrow, rigid, rigorous, strict
According to a strict definition, the expenses of a self-employed person can be deducted from tax.
formal,
official,
statutory
The firm falls within the statutory definition of a ‘small company’.
The firm falls within the statutory definition of a ‘small company’.
dictionary
legal, mathematical
The mathematical definition of an even number is one that is exactly divisible by 2.
legal, mathematical
The mathematical definition of an even number is one that is exactly divisible by 2.
accepted,
conventional,
standard,
textbook,
traditional
alternative
workable, working
We need a good working definition of ‘pollution’.
alternative
workable, working
We need a good working definition of ‘pollution’.
VERB + definition
give (sb),
offer (sb),
propose,
provide (sb with)
adopt, use
They have adopted a very narrow definition of success.
adopt, use
They have adopted a very narrow definition of success.
fit,
meet
This unusual building barely fits the definition of a house.
This unusual building barely fits the definition of a house.
broaden,
change,
expand,
stretch
He has expanded the definition of sculpture.
He has expanded the definition of sculpture.
accept
She refused to accept the definition of woman as man's subordinate.
She refused to accept the definition of woman as man's subordinate.
PREPOSITION
according to a/the definition
According to a strict definition of ‘assault’, she was not assaulted.
According to a strict definition of ‘assault’, she was not assaulted.
by definition
A clinic for women would, by definition, deal with pregnancy and childbirth.
A clinic for women would, by definition, deal with pregnancy and childbirth.
under a/the definition
Under the broader definition of ‘poverty’, thousands more people would be included.
Under the broader definition of ‘poverty’, thousands more people would be included.