in terms of (something)
1. As measured with a certain type of unit or category. We track our shipments in terms of weight, rather than individual units. The tragedy caused billions in damage, but the biggest losses were in terms of lives. Your son is far behind his classmates in terms of reading level—that's why I want him to get tutoring.
2. Regarding; in reference to. In terms of the merger, I'm afraid I can't provide any more details at this time. That's the dumbest movie I've ever seen. It has absolutely no value in terms of culture or quality. She only takes after her mother in terms of hair color. Really, their features look nothing alike.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in terms of something
regarding something; concerning something. I don't know what to do in terms of John's problem. Now, in terms of your proposal, don't you think you're asking for too much?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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 © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
in terms of...
, in ... terms
used to show how something is explained, described or judged: In terms of money, it’s a great job. ♢ In energy terms, this new power station can produce ten times as much as the old type.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
in terms of
1. As measured or indicated by; in units of: distances expressed in terms of kilometers as well as miles; cheap entertainment, but costly in terms of time wasted.
2. In relation to; with reference to: "narcissistic parents who ... interpret their child's experience entirely in terms of their own history" (Richard Weissbourd).
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.