The Definition Essay

Now What Do You Mean By That?

The Qualities of Definition

• The definition of “Definition” is “a statement expressing the essential nature of something” (Merriam – Webster Online). – Actually that is the second definition, the first

being “an act of determining; specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma” (Merriam – Webster Online).

• Thus the purpose of a Definition Theme is to establish a true understanding of a terms with which may contain “disputed abstractions” or more specific meaning to a smaller group (McQuen-Metherell and Winkler 370).

• The act of stating a precise meaning or significance.• A close synonym for “description.”• The purpose of the Definition theme is clear, factual,

understanding without the interprosition of the author’s feelings or prejudices.

• The writer is free either to arrive at a universal consensus of the definition of a term or choose any number of special usages of a term by limited groups.

The Process of Definition

• Think of some term the understanding of which you think is important but lacking.

• Decide whether to establish a common or specific understanding of the word or phrase.

• Move to the facts either through interviews or library research.

• Begin the definition by saying what the term means.– This is best done by using a reference which can be trusted– Merriam Webster– O E D: Oxford English Dictionary– Gender Dictionary

• The above will also help you expand your definition, if necessary, by etymological analysis of the term.

• Expand your definition with examples• Attempt to differentiate the word from others like it,

even synonyms• You may need to combine techniques.