apply a definition vs employ a definition

Both 'apply a definition' and 'employ a definition' are correct phrases that can be used interchangeably. They both mean to use or put into practice a specific meaning or explanation of a term.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1038 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"apply a definition"

This phrase means to use or implement a specific meaning or explanation of a term. It is commonly used in academic or technical contexts.

Examples:

In this context, we need to apply a definition that clarifies the concept.
It is important to apply a definition that accurately reflects the term being discussed.

Show examples from the web [+]

Can't you apply a definition, like for example, a Supreme Court-like definition of life?
Can't you apply a definition, like for example, a Supreme Court-like definition of life? "And then I thought about it a little bit, and I said, "Well, is it really that easy?
Consequently, the claim to apply a different definition of production capacity has to be rejected.
This legislation should apply a broad definition of the term 'family member' since there are several different family configurations in present-day society which should all be treated equally and have the same rights.
A Member State or region may choose to apply a forest definition, other than the one in point (r) of paragraph 1, based on existing national law or inventory system.
Paragraph 6 applies a practicable and sensible definition of degressive proportionality.
The debate concerning levels of environmental benefits does indicate a need to apply a clearer definition of environmental impact and to introduce an obligation to base a future revision of targets explicitly on an analysis of environmental impact.
It is crucial that this term be correctly implemented in all versions of the text, since the Commission applies a precise definition for 'relevant metabolites' in the guidelines to Directive 91/414/EC
The same applies to providing a coherent definition of the scope of the Eighth Council Directive on the approval of persons responsible for carrying out the statutory audit of accounting documents (article 17(15)), which is currently being revised.
The document applies definitions and corresponding aid intensities in compliance with the definition of the different R&D stages in the Authority's R&D Guidelines.
The EGF is intended to tackle any specific Europe-wide crisis brought about by globalisation, a definition that applies to the current situation.
Standard definitions hardly apply, therefore.
In the case of retail exposures credit institutions may apply the definition of default at a facility level.
The same applies to definition of scholarships for researchers or organisations, National Metrology Institutes or Designated Institutes.
The court, of course, has to examine all relevant facts before it applies the definition.
Each Member State shall apply the definition of critical infrastructure pursuant to Article 2(a) to the potential ECI identified under step 1.
It is appropriate that those definitions apply for the purposes of legislation on maximum residue limits.
The following definitions apply to the frequency terminology used hereafter:
The same criterion should therefore apply to the definition of agricultural research.
The following specific definitions apply for this sector:

Alternatives:

utilize a definition
use a definition
implement a definition
define a term
clarify a definition

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"employ a definition"

This phrase also means to use or put into practice a specific meaning or explanation of a term. It is suitable for formal or professional settings.

Examples:

We can employ a definition that captures the essence of the term.
It is necessary to employ a definition that is widely accepted in the field.

Show examples from the web [+]

(5a) This Framework Decision and the definitions it employs, set out in Article 2, should be in agreement with, and where necessary extended to include, the new OECD Guidelines for the Security of Information Systems and Networks, adopted on 25 July 2002.
He employs a technique called onion routing.
Sometimes I employ a plastic surgeon.
Employ a taxi cab 't ask.
You employ a visual display designed to make yourself distinctive and memorable.
They should cover all categories of legislative proposal and employ a clear methodology.
The Agency is expected to employ a staff of about 40-50 people.
We will employ a man who can speak English.
We will employ a man who can speak English.
This armature employs a semi-elliptical lead spring.
Davian employs a cellular structure at his organization.
They employ a subspace proximity detonator.
I happen to have in my employ a most dependable soothsayer.
Parker employs a Mr Philip Farrington to run security.
I employ a small army of them.
Hundred bucks say the people here employ a live-in Mexican maid.
The rural school employs a strict teaching method.
We need to know if you employ a chef named Megan Hamilton.
He probably would employ a maximum of six carriers strike on a weekend.
They employ a lot of people from this area.

Alternatives:

utilize a definition
use a definition
implement a definition
define a term
clarify a definition

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apply a definition vs employ a definition