How can culture be best defined?

Culture is best defined as a set of patterns of human activity within a society because it encompasses the various ways in which people live, think, and interact with one another. This definition highlights the behaviors, customs, rituals, and social norms that characterize a particular group or community. By focusing on human activity, it acknowledges the dynamic and evolving nature of culture, which develops through shared experiences, social interactions, and collective practices over time.

Other definitions, such as economic systems, languages, or traditions, while relevant aspects of culture, do not capture its entirety. Economic systems represent one element of a cultural framework, illustrating how societies organize production and distribution but leaving out the many other dimensions of culture. Similarly, languages and traditions are components of culture but do not fully encompass the depth and complexity of human behavior and societal patterns. Therefore, defining culture in terms of patterns of human activity provides a comprehensive view that encompasses the myriad ways in which people engage with their world.