To convey to the reader exactly what we mean is the purpose
of all writing. In trying to do so, we often use words precise
to us, but not to the reader. The focus of definition is to
devote all of our writing energies to defining something as we
see it. Some definitions are based on fact; others are based on
our perceptions of fact. A definition essay, regardless of its
topic or view, attempts to outline, distinguish, and convey to
the reader the meaning of a term.
PRINCIPLES
Definition, as a mode of expository writing, has three
principles which must be adhered to by the writer in order to
insure communication.
First, the actual definition must follow strict grammatical
rules. One cannot, for instance, define a boat as "where you sit
when you want to ride on the water." Boat is a noun; it must be
defined with a noun. Verbs must be defined with verbs,
adjectives with adjectives, and so on. This rule is inflexible,
but logical.
Second, a definition, in order to communicate, relies on
precise diction. Relative words such as "big,"" very," and "a
lot," and vague words such as "justice,"" romantic" and "honesty"
must be avoided. These words themselves need definition; it is
easy to see, then, that when used to define another term, they
often cause confusion.
Third, a definition is rarely autonomous. In order to be
specific, the writer must often rely on illustrations, examples,
classification or facts. S/he must, however, avoid using
synonyms to provide these examples. By relying on synonyms the
author forces the audience to read circular arguments. "A rose
is a rose is a rose" is hardly informative.
CONVENTIONS
1. In order to define, it is often necessary to separate into
categories that being defined. By doing this you can then devote
one paragraph to each major category. This often helps clarify
your topic.
2. If you separate your topic into parts, the reasoning for and
ordering of the parts must be clear and logical to the reader.
For instance, if you are defining a spoon, it is logical to
divide the topic into tablespoons, teaspoons, and measuring
spoons. It is not logical to divide the topic into top and
bottom or big and little.
3. It is often necessary to describe the parts you select. In
doing so, you follow the principles of description.
4. A formal, one sentence definition can often serve as your
thesis statement. A formal definition takes on the following
form: A) term to be defined, B) class, C) distinctions. An
example of this form would be: "A) A friend B) is a person who
knows your faults C) but likes you in spite of them."
5. Often it is interesting to define negatively. That is, after
arriving at a definition for your thesis statement, use negative
examples to back it up. Using the above definition, you might
want to develop paragraphs around the ideas that a friend is not
someone who belittles you, a friend is not someone who always
puts his interests before yours, or a friend is not someone who
disregards your feelings.
STRATEGIES
1. Remember to define a term with the right part of speech.
2. Try introducing your definition essay with a question in your
mind which you will answer. Consider the following: "What is
the essence of the thing?" "Who does it affect?" "Why is this
term significant?" "What about this word is unclear?" "What is
the key to understanding this term?" Remember that these
questions are for you, not the reader.
3. Avoid defining a term with the words "when" or "where." They
are unclear and often misleading.
4. Consider giving the social history of a term. How has "cool"
changed in past two decades?
5. Avoid dictionary definitions. Besides being overused by
students, they are often too general for your purposes.
6. Consider defining a term by showing how it is different from
a term closely related to it.
7. Have your reader participate in finding the key to the term
you are trying to define. You might want to set up hypothetical
test cases to prove or disprove a common definition of a term.
POINTERS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONSTRUCTING A DEFINITION:
INTRODUCTION:
(a) The introduction should state what is being defined.
You should avoid using a dictionary definition because it
provides too narrow a start (as well as being a technique
vastly overused by students). The introduction might, when
appropriate for the subject being defined, consider such
questions as What or whom does it affect? Why is it
significant? When did it take place?
BODY:
(b) The main body paragraphs should break what is being
defined into its major parts. A separate paragraph should
be devoted to each of these major parts. If what you are
defining is:
...an object, such as an automobile, the parts are
concrete.
. ..an idea, person or place, such as love, President
Lincoln, or Cape Cod, the parts can be things
which are not concrete because they concern abstract
ideas such as spirit and feelings.
(c) The parts which you select will reflect your judgment
and point of view; the parts selected should reflect your
major purpose, such as:
(1) to suggest a new or enlarged way of looking at
something.
(2) to illustrate and comment on an aspect of human
nature, society, etc.
(3) to clarify an existing practice and perhaps present
a new plan of action.
(d) The order in which the selected parts are presented
should be clear and logical: by importance, by location,
from simple to complex, from known to unknown, and of time.
(e) If your definition seems too shallow, try to enrich
your perception of the subject. Try thinking about your
subject in terms of:
(1) its physical properties (through all five senses:
sight, touch, hearing, smell, taste).
(2) its uses--and dangers.
(3) its effect on: people, history, attitudes, etc.
(4) what it is not.
(f) Whenever possible, illustrate with specific examples,
facts, or incidents. A definition which merely recites
synonyms goes around in circles because it avoids being
specific.
adapted from Steps in Composition, Troyka and Nedelman
Adapted and revised from one originally prepared by
the Purdue University Writing Center, West Lafayette, IN.