Collocation Dictionary

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Common collocations with definition in American Collocation

definition noun

US /ˌdefəˈnɪʃ(ə)n/

clear

clear

Her book provides clear definitions of the terms used in this field.

general

broad
general
wide

strict or precise

exact
narrow
precise
rigorous
strict

The insurance policy refers to ‘exceptional circumstances’, but does not give a precise definition.

official or legal

formal
legal
official
statutory

The new law will propose a statutory definition of the term ‘racial hatred’.

scientific or technical

clinical
mathematical
scientific
technical

What is the mathematical definition of ‘probability’?

change a definition

alter
amend
change
modify
refine
revise
update

The government changed the definition of joblessness many times in order to massage the unemployment figures.

make a definition less precise

broaden
expand
extend
widen

He broadens the definition of ‘terrorism’ to include any action that has an ‘economic impact’.

make a definition more precise

narrow
tighten

We have tightened the definition of training to exclude inductions and workplace briefings.

accept or agree a definition

accept
agree

Would you accept this definition of poverty?

give a definition

give
offer
propose
provide

My dictionary gives the definition of ‘churlish’ as ‘boorish or vulgar’.

use a definition

adopt
use

The course adopts a broad definition of the term ‘second language education’.

produce a definition

establish
formulate
write

Our definition of an underdeveloped country is based on the definition formulated by the United Nations.

match or fit a definition

fit
fulfil
satisfy

If a person satisfies the definition of an employee, he or she is entitled to certain benefits.