in terms of

Idioms & Phrases

in terms of

  1. As measured or indicated by, on the basis of. For example, How far is it in terms of miles? This usage originated in mathematics, where it alludes to numerical units. [Mid-1700s]

  2. In relation to, with reference to, as in This film offers nothing in terms of satisfactory entertainment. [Late 1800s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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