By Definition

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Idioms & Phrasesby definitionAccording to prior determination, as a given. For example, This antibiotic is by definition the most effective now on the market. (1970s)The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.This doesn't sound right to me, at all.And I've heard it used many many times but never this way until today. Imagine my surprise when this entry agreed with what I consider the incorrect usage I read!Posters should say where they live, and for which area they are asking questions. I was born and then lived in Western Pa. 10 yearsIndianapolis 7 yearsChicago 6 yearsBrooklyn, NY 12 yearsBaltimore 26 years

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]Idioms & Phrases by definition According to prior determination, as a given. For example, This antibiotic is by definition the ... of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin. This doesn't sound right to me, at all.[/nq]
Nor to me.
[nq:1]And I've heard it used many many times but never this way until today. Imagine my surprise when this entry agreed with what I consider the incorrect usage I read![/nq]
Other dictionaries of idioms appear too disagree with that one: (from http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/by+definition)

(quote)
by definition - because of the nature of someone or something Circus performers are, by definition, delightful show-offs and risk takers .
Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006. Reproduced with permission.

(/quote)

Cheers, Harvey
CanEng and BrEng, indiscriminately mixed

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Other dictionaries of idioms appear too disagree[/nq]
****** tremor; I hate that particular typo.

Cheers, Harvey
CanEng and BrEng, indiscriminately mixed

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Idioms & Phrases by definition According to prior determination, as a given. For example, This antibiotic is by definition the ... this way until today. Imagine my surprise when this entry agreed with what I consider the incorrect usage I read![/nq]
That sort of example could fit the usual meaning of "by definition" in a particular context. Imagining a context:
"Researchers have discovered a new class of antibiotics which work in a different way from those currently in use. Antibiotics of this new type are more effective than existing types. XYZ is the first of this new type to be marketed. This antibiotic is by definition the most effective now on the market."
However, using an example in a dictionary without even hinting at the "definition" is silly.

Peter Duncanson, UK
(in alt.english.usage)

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Idioms & Phrases by definition According to prior determination, as a given. For example, This antibiotic is by definition the ... this way until today. Imagine my surprise when this entry agreed with what I consider the incorrect usage I read![/nq]
I know the phrase from mathematics and engineering. For example, you might say that variable R has a direction by definition, because earlier you've defined it as a vector. Or you might say that a particular object is subject to corrosion by definition, because you've earlier said it's made of plain carbon steel.

If there hasn't been an earlier definition, at least an implied one, then that phrase hasn't been used properly. The examples cited in this thread aren't, in my opinion, proper uses, but there's nothing to be done about it.

John Varela
Trade NEWlamps for OLDlamps for email

By Definition

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