by definition vs by the definition

Both "by definition" and "by the definition" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "By definition" is a common phrase used to indicate that something is true because it is part of the meaning of a particular word or concept. On the other hand, "by the definition" is less common and is used when referring to a specific, previously mentioned definition.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2199 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"by definition"

This phrase is used to indicate that something is true because it is part of the meaning of a particular word or concept.

Examples:

By definition, a square has four equal sides.
The term 'introvert' by definition refers to a person who is predominantly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings.
By definition, an omnivore is an animal that eats both plants and animals.

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Maritime transport is by definition vulnerable to attacks.
All ethical principles deserve attention and are sensitive by definition.
It is therefore by definition multidisciplinary.
The term generally means a spherical object and, by definition, the Earth itself.
Global transformations, by definition, change societies around the world.
Whites, by definition, were the only ones guilty of racism.
Cosmetics are by definition chemical substances or mixtures.
Any EU law is by definition the best possible.
The external financial account is consolidated by definition.
All cloning is by definition reproductive.
This violent and anti-modernist proselytism is anti-Western by definition.
They have a long-term perspective by definition.
Vampirism is by definition an afterlife.
These surveys are by definition more occasional.
Collective price-fixing and capacity regulation are by definition hard-core restrictions to competition.
But a serial killer by definition is condemned to repetition.
Thus, by definition, she's unable to provide services.
Teenagers, by definition, are not fit for society.
Covert ops are illegal by definition.
The Klingon civil war is, by definition, an internal matter of the Empire.

Alternatives:

essentially
in essence
fundamentally
intrinsically
by its very nature

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"by the definition"

This phrase is used when referring to a specific, previously mentioned definition.

Examples:

The term 'introvert' is often misunderstood; by the definition we are using, it refers to a person who is predominantly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings.
By the definition provided in the textbook, an ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.

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This requirement is covered by the definition of the main functions of the public address system.
(10) Premixtures should not be regarded as preparations covered by the definition of additives.
The development of Community railways and decisions on railway infrastructure capacity and levies must be governed by the definition of the function of and the demand for the services concerned.
they are not able to take the specific action mentioned by the definition of the alerts.
Such staff should also be covered by the definition.
Premixtures should not be regarded as preparations covered by the definition of additives.
This compatibility is ensured by the definition of the interface interfaces with the electrification system as specified in the TSI energy subsystem.
This requirement is covered by the definition of the main functions of the emergency lighting system.
The application of such principles in the Union might be facilitated by the definition of certain common or converging conditions for spectrum usage.
Retailers are already covered by the definition of 'ticket vendor' set out in Article 3(l).
These activities are not covered by the definition in Article 50 of the Treaty and do not therefore fall within the scope of this Directive.
The different needs of this aspect are translated for this subsystem by the definition of standards for the wheels and axles that comprise the interface points.
The products covered by the definition of 'mechanically separated meat' are excluded from this definition.
Thus, the first part of the requirement of being «an undertaking», as required by the definition of credit institution, is fulfilled.
I therefore really object to the fact that the Commission even dares to propose allowing cloning to be covered by the definition in the new foodstuffs regulation.
whereas national provisions concerning such activities are not covered by the definition given in Article 60 of the Treaty and therefore do not fall within the scope of this Directive;
Third, the BdB submits that the difference in quality between silent partnership contributions and share capital is confirmed by the definition of core capital for supervisory purposes adopted by the Basle Committee for Banking Supervision.
Changes such as the introduction of new flight plans or the allocation of air router to existing runways are not covered by the definition of a project under the EIA Directive.
Third, the BdB submits that the difference in quality between silent partnership contributions and share capital is confirmed by the definition of core capital for supervisory purposes adopted by the Basle Committee for Banking Supervision.
Therefore, the products covered by Decision 2003/779/EC should be excluded by the definition of meat products and treated stomachs, bladders and intestines laid down in this Decision.

Alternatives:

according to the definition
as defined
as per the definition
based on the definition
in accordance with the definition

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by definition vs by the definition

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