The Quick and Easy Guide to Definitions
What Is a Definition?
A definition classifies a term and provides distinguishing characteristics.
Terms can be defined either formally or informally.
Formal Definition
A formal definition places a term in a category and identifies its distinguishing
features.
Example: Chronometer - a highly accurate timepiece. ("Timepiece"
is the category.)
Informal Definition
An informal definition explains the term using a word or phrase as a synonym.
Example: Gray Matter - brain tissue.
Methods of Defining Terms
Sometimes simple definitions suffice. However, definitions may be expanded
with details, examples, comparisons or other explanatory devices, including:
-
Extended Definition: Lists examples or multiple features of a term.
Example: Amniota
(The Tree of Life, University of Arizona)
-
Definition by Analogy: Demonstrates characteristics through comparison
with characteristics of a familiar term.
Example: What
is the Internet? (UC Berkeley Library)
-
Definition by Components: Uses descriptions of component parts to
define the whole concept.
Example: PC's (How Stuff Works)
-
Definition by Cause: Explains term in relation to causes and effects.
Example: Occupational
and Environmental Lung Disease (HEW)
Tips for Writing Definitions
-
Pick the method of definition that will work best for the audience.
-
State definitions in the positive. Do not try to define a term by what
it is not.
-
Avoid circular definitions.
-
Do not use "is when" or "is where" sentence structures.
-
Consider adding a graphic.
Written By: George Knox © 1999
E-mail: wordman@prontomail.com