by definition

English

Prepositional phrase

by definition

1. According to, or as a matter of, definition.

   This property holds for all polygons; and since, by definition, all triangles are polygons, it holds for all triangles.

2. Necessarily; always; certainly.

   Almost by definition, a conversation requires both parties to accept each other's viewpoints to some extent.

Synonyms

• (as a matter of definition): basically, deep down, essentially; see also Thesaurus:fundamentally
• (necessarily): inevitably, inexorably, unavoidably

Translations

Translations

• Finnish: määritelmällisesti
• French: par définition (fr)
• German: per definitionem (de)
• Latin: per definitionem
• Polish: z definicji, z założenia (pl)

References

• “by definition”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.