"definition of" vs "definition in"

Question

"definition of" vs "definition in"

Both "definition in" and "definition of" are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Definition of" is the correct and more commonly used phrase when introducing the meaning of a word or concept. On the other hand, "definition in" is used when specifying the context or location in which a definition exists.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use "definition of" when you want to provide the meaning or explanation of a word or concept. For example, "What is the definition of 'success'?"

Examples:

Can you give me the definition of this term?
The definition of love varies from person to person.
I looked up the definition of the word in the dictionary.

Alternatives:

meaning of
explanation of
interpretation of
description of
definition for

Use "definition in" when you want to refer to the context or location in which a definition is found. For example, "The definition in the glossary is very clear."

Examples:

The definition in the textbook was hard to understand.
Can you find the definition in the dictionary?
I need to check the definition in the legal document.

Alternatives:

description in
meaning in
interpretation in
explanation in
definition within

Answer 1

definition of

This phrase is correct and is commonly used when introducing the meaning of a word or concept.

Answer 2

definition in

This phrase is correct and is used when specifying the context or location in which a definition exists.

"definition of" vs "definition in"

definition of

definition in

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