define a term

Meaning

To explain the precise meaning of a specific word or phrase, especially in a discussion, contract, or academic context. It helps prevent misunderstandings by ensuring everyone agrees on what a word means. It is commonly used in debates, business meetings, and classrooms.

Examples

• Before we start the debate, we need to define a term so we are on the same page.

  Before we start the debate, we need to define a term so we are on the same page.

• Can you define a term like 'sustainable' in the context of your project?

  Can you define a term like 'sustainable' in the context of your project?

• The contract has a specific section to define a term that might be confusing to clients.

  The contract has a specific section to define a term that might be confusing to clients.

• I had to define a term during my presentation because the audience wasn't familiar with it.

  I had to define a term during my presentation because the audience wasn't familiar with it.

• It's hard to discuss art when everyone defines a term like 'beauty' differently.

  It's hard to discuss art when everyone defines a term like 'beauty' differently.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to define a word's term.

  ✓ We need to define a term.

  'Term' already refers to a word or phrase with a specific meaning; saying 'word's term' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

• ✗ He explained us to define a term.

  ✓ He asked us to define a term.

  'Explain' cannot be followed directly by an indirect object and an infinitive verb pattern like this.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Before we sign this agreement, we should clearly ___ so there are no legal loopholes.

  💡 Explain a specific word's meaning.

  Show answer

  define a term

• The professor asked us to ___ 'globalization' in our own words.

  💡 Explain what a specific concept means.

  Show answer

  define a term