by definition

Idioms and Phrases

According to prior determination, as a given. For example, This antibiotic is by definition the most effective now on the market . [1970s]

Example Sentences

By definition, that meant there would be no primaries, open to popular Democrats like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

From Los Angeles Times

And TV news is always, by definition, presenting a limited version of whatever we're talking about.

From Salon

Johnson confirmed later that there is a secret “that might help Donald Trump,” but noted that “by definition, a secret is not to be shared—and I don’t intend to share this one.”

From Slate

“By definition, a secret is not to be shared — and I don’t intend to share this one,” the Louisiana Congressman told The Times.

From Salon

She says: “We are acting for people who stood up and got vaccinated. By definition they’re all pro-vaccination. This is an act to support vaccine confidence.”

From BBC

Related Words

• automatically
• naturally
• no doubt
• undoubtedly
• unquestionably