definite description
C2 / Very RareTechnical / Academic
Definition
Meaning
A phrase, typically of the form "the X", that is used to refer to one specific, unique individual or object in a given context.
A term from analytic philosophy and linguistic semantics for an expression that purports to denote one and only one entity. In the philosophy of language, it is central to theories of reference, truth conditions, and presupposition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Its technical philosophical meaning is distinct from the simple idea of a "precise description." In philosophy, the definiteness is logical, not merely descriptive, implying uniqueness and existence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The term is used identically in academic philosophy and linguistics in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond its technical meaning.
Frequency
Exclusively used in specialist academic writing (philosophy, linguistics, logic). No discernible frequency difference between UK and US academic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
analysis of the definite descriptiontheory concerning definite descriptionsdistinguish between a definite description and a proper nameVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms use this technical term.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in technical discussions in philosophy of language, linguistics, and logic to analyse meaning and reference.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
As per academic context.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Not applicable for this C2-level term.
- Not applicable for this C2-level term.
- Not applicable for this C2-level term.
- In semantics, a phrase like 'the current president of France' is analysed as a definite description.
- The philosopher Bertrand Russell argued that a definite description carries a presupposition of existence and uniqueness.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of "THE" as a flag for a DEFINITE description; it signals ONE specific thing you're meant to pick out (e.g., 'the tallest building' points to just one).
Conceptual Metaphor
NAMING: A definite description is like a unique fingerprint for an object; PICKING OUT: It is a tool for isolating a single item from a group.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as "точное описание" (precise description). The correct conceptual translation is "дескрипция" or, more fully, "определённая дескрипция" as a borrowed term.
- The phrase is a single terminological unit, not a free combination of the words "definite" and "description."
Common Mistakes
- Using it in everyday language to mean a 'clear description'.
- Confusing it with a proper name (e.g., 'London' vs. 'the capital of England').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best example of a 'definite description' in its technical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In everyday language, 'definite' can mean clear or certain. In philosophy, it's a technical term meaning a phrase that picks out one specific thing, usually starting with 'the'.
A proper name (e.g., 'Aristotle') is a simple label. A definite description (e.g., 'the tutor of Alexander the Great') is a descriptive phrase that uniquely identifies the referent. Philosophers debate whether they have the same meaning.
The British philosopher Bertrand Russell, whose 1905 paper "On Denoting" is the classic source for the modern analysis.
Yes, this is a key philosophical problem. If I say 'the present king of France', but France has no king, does the sentence have a truth value? Different theories (Russell's vs. Strawson's) offer different answers.