English 2053 -- Creating Definitions
The definition, the precise meaning of a
term, is the means by which your reader gains understnding of
your message. Clear and precise definitions are vital because
they assist the reader to share the same view of the term being
defined that you do.
Formal Definitions
A formal definition is one sentence that
contains the term being defined, the class,
to which the term belongs, and the differentiation of
that item from all other members of its class. For
instance:
- Lobo is a DC Comics character that exemplifies
ultra-violence.
- Resistance is any force that tends to oppose or retard
motion.
- Death is a state of existence typified by the cessation
of brain and respiratory functions.
Therefore, you must first Classify the Term.
The class is the large group to which the term belongs. You can
use either broad or narrow classes, but the narrower the class,
the more meaning that will be conveyed. For instance a
"rabbet" can be classified as either "a
construction technique" or, more narrowly as "a method
of making joints in wood-working."
Then, Differentiate the Term by explaining
the characteristics that belong only to it and not to any other
members of the class. You can do this by:
- Name its essential properties
- Explain what it does
- If it is an object, describe it's composition and
appearance
- If the term is a process, explain how to do it.
AVOID CIRCULAR DEFINITIONS!!!!! The reader
learns nothing from statements like: "Love is when you
really love someone, you know?"
Informal Definitions
Are usually used for field specific jargon (specialized and
technical terms your reader may not know). There are two types: Operational
definitions and Synonyms.
- Operational Definitions give the meaning
of an abstract word just for the purpose of a specific
text, setting, or speech. For instance, we can
operationally define "success" in Eng220 to
mean a C or better.
- Synonyms - are words that mean the same
thing as another word. (Be sure to set off the term being
defined in writing through the use of either parantheses
or dashes). For instance, "Many players use the
off-season to engage in the practice of searching for a
new employer (Free agency) in hopes of getting more
money."
Extended Definitions
Extended Definitions are expanded
explanations of the term being defined. These include:
- Explaining the origin (Derivation) of
the term.
- Explicate terms by defininf difficult words contained in
the formal definition
- Use examples
- Use analogies
- Compare and Contrast
- Explain Cause and Effect
- Use a Visual Aid
- Analyze the term by breaking the term into its parts.
Worksheet for creating definitions
- Name the audience for the definition
- What is their knowledge level about the concepts on which
the definition is based?
- What do they already know about the topic?
- What is your goal for the reader?
- Select an approach.
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