formulate a definition vs form a definition

Both 'formulate a definition' and 'form a definition' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Formulate a definition' is more formal and implies a process of carefully crafting or creating a definition, while 'form a definition' is more straightforward and direct, simply indicating the act of creating a definition.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 999 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal contexts.

"formulate a definition"

This phrase is used when you want to express the process of carefully crafting or creating a definition for something.

Examples:

The committee will meet to formulate a definition of the new policy.
It took hours to formulate a definition that accurately captured the concept.
Can you help me formulate a definition for this term?

Show examples from the web [+]

Together, we can formulate a restrictive definition, as we did in the case of Article 6 at Doha, of what constitutes a national emergency.
Does it consider it feasible to formulate a specific definition of over-indebtedness at EU level? 3.
First of all, a coherent definition would be impossible in view of the diversity of territorial structures and national practices, and then the political will to formulate such a definition is lacking, as is even a simple majority in favour of definition.
Does the Commission intend to renew efforts to formulate a single, common definition of mobbing and to draft a directive on the subject?
It is immensely difficult to formulate universally accepted definitions so it should be emphasised that the following is only a rough guide.
I agree with the points made in the amendments and you may be sure that we shall use them to help formulate the definition in line with the interpretation of the European Court of Justice in the O' Flynn case.
We need to assess the situation, formulate a strategy...
I reserve the right to formulate a personal opinion following my trip to Ukraine.
I can't formulate a thought in my head, but...
It shall formulate a recommendation for the coordination group on the basis of the assessment report.
I want to sit down and formulate a little plan.
I would have expected the Commission to formulate a clear position on that point.
It formulates a growing classification of risks accessible to local authorities.
See, we were fired before we could formulate a specific plan.
Not until I formulate a conclusion.
You asked me to formulate a plan.
Our preference would be for the banking sector to formulate a code of conduct itself.
The EU has yet to formulate a proper policy towards the new developments in North Africa.
It is therefore necessary to formulate a common response.
Likewise, we could easily formulate a common objective for energy efficiency in the Alterner II programme.

Alternatives:

create a definition
craft a definition
compose a definition
develop a definition
write a definition

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in informal contexts.

"form a definition"

This phrase is used when you want to simply indicate the act of creating a definition without emphasizing the process.

Examples:

Let's form a definition for this term before we proceed.
Can you quickly form a definition for this concept?
The students were asked to form a definition of the word.
She was able to form a definition that satisfied everyone.
It's important to form a clear definition of the problem.

Show examples from the web [+]

The definitions 'standardised futures contracts' and 'standardised options' should therefore be combined to form a new definition, 'financial derivative instruments', which also covers OTC derivatives.
The directive in its present form fails to provide a definition of the term 'thermal insulation', despite its recurrent use and its key role in improving buildings' energy efficiency.
Which is why we must call for finishing touches in the form of a more flexible definition of which groups are to benefit.
Now, I don't know what your personal preference is... but this one has excellent form and definition.
what forms can this definition take?
Since the Regulation aims at providing a common legal framework for a new legal form, the definition of an ERI should be part of Article 1 and not merely mentioned in a recital.
What is more, the case in point relates solely to projects concerning the external borders of the Union, which by definition form part of an area of free movement that is the common interest of all the Member States.
This form of self-definition, this cultural identity that we retain from pre-war years, is not actually adequate to the world we have created in the global marketplace.
As regards the impact on the capital absorption ('assorbimento di capitale'), Italy explained that per definition all forms of reinsurance produce effects on the level of capital, including reinsurance in the form of excess of loss cover [55].
Firstly, a definition of the different forms of illiteracy - which we still do not have - with common criteria and mechanisms.
The report therefore maintains a definition of the quality of wine, an agricultural and viticultural product, and in this way rejects all forms of industrialisation.
The planned data together with the actual data ⌦ shall form a consistent time series as far as the definitions and concepts are concerned.
It is necessary to set common definitions, principles, requirements and procedures so as to form a clear framework and a common basis for Union and national measures governing food information.
Finally, the spirit that drives entrepreneurs, large or small, is given a definition that will enable measures to be put in place to simplify the red tape involved in the creation and operation of businesses, their transfer and the essential forms of tax relief.
Mr President, I would also like to begin by thanking the rapporteur for his work, although we do not have a definition of harassment, perhaps because harassment takes many forms and is difficult to define.
Amendment Nos 18 and 22 propose a definition of "bancassurance" activities which only takes account of one of the possible forms that "bancassurance" may take.
The sector studies that the Commission is already preparing and wishes to carry out in further depth form a crucial basis for this, and the issue of market definition is also significant in this regard.
A clear text requires such a definition.
A definition on excipients is needed.
A definition on excipients is needed.

Alternatives:

create a definition
define
establish a definition
state a definition
provide a definition

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formulate a definition vs form a definition