English

Preposition

in terms of

1. (mathematics) [of one variable or unit of measurement x which has a known relationship to another y] Using equivalent expressions in y in place of expressions in x; mapping x to y.

   If x=2y then 5x can be expressed in terms of y as 10y.

2. in relation to a particular aspect; with respect to; as regards; concerning; regarding (a loose and non-technical extension of sense 1)

   I switched to a different bank for better customer service, but there was little difference in terms of interest rates.

   She has no idea how she wants the house to look in terms of décor.

Usage notes

In terms of differs from regarding in that the former usually refers to a particular aspect of a certain topic, whilst the latter is usually used to introduce a new topic.

Translations