Definition and Term

How to Write a Definition Essay In a definition essay, you explain the meaning of a certain term by giving a detailed description of it, and support your definition with clear examples or facts. Such explanations are needed if a term is special, abstract, disputed or does not have a common meaning.

For instance, individuals can interpret the definition of the words ;freedom’ or ‘abuse’ quite differently. – Steps for Writing a Definition Essay 1 . Choose a term that you want to define and introduce it to your readers.This can be done In several ways, but your mall goal at the outset Is to Indicate clearly the contents of your paper.

. Use several sources (dictionaries or encyclopedias) to see how the term you have chosen is usually defined. Then think of a way to combine or merge them to give your own, unique deflation.

3. Present the term you’ve chosen to your readers in the introductory part of your paper. 4. In the main body paragraphs, provide your readers with information about the term.Along with your own description, you can point out some cases, in which this term Is used, as well as historical information about its origins and the evolution of its use in literature. Also, you can highlight any common mistakes in its definition. 5.

Think of a couple of good examples that will fully Illustrate and explain your deflation. Topic Selection There are plenty of terms that we use every day. Many of them are clear to almost everybody, but still there is a vast body of abstract or scientific terms, that can become a topic of discussion.While all of us know what a phone, TV or dog is, concepts such as happiness. Faith, love or calmness may be difficult for some people to grasp. Some terms that could be chosen as a topic for your definition essay are listed below: * Love * God * Hatred * Beauty * Morale * Good and evil * Enlightenment * Happiness * Confidence Intelligence Key Points to Consider 1 . Remember, that giving a definition is not Just copying what has been written in other dictionaries.

If you cannot define a brand new meaning for some concept on your own, then use the definition that already exists, but give your own interpretation of it. . Choose terms that you understand, or ones that have Impacted on your own will confuse your readers with the wrong explanation. 3. You can define something by explaining its functions, structure or nature. You can also define the term by specifying what it does not mean, or by comparing it with other members of the same lass of word and emphasizing the differences. 4.

Follow the structure of your essay. It would be logical to present your term in the introduction, give extended explanations in the main body paragraphs, and end with brief conclusions.Dos and Don’t Dos * Do narrow the term if it has an excessively wide meaning. For instance, you might need to write many pages to define adequately the term fear’, but if you limit your topic to ‘panic fear’, it will be much easier for you to craft your essay. * Do look for good transitions to connect the parts of your essay together. * Do try to think off definition that would be uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to be creative in giving non- standard explanations; that approach should be encouraged.

* Dip proofread your essay carefully to avoid factual mistakes.I Don’t * Don’t use definitions like: ‘X is when’ or Y is where’. Try to make you definitions look more scientific. For example, compare these two definitions: “Totalitarianism is when the state tries to control the society’ and “Totalitarianism is a political regime which presumes that the state holds authority over society and controls various aspects of its life. ” * Don’t try to write a paper on a too narrow topic or a well-known obvious term. It will be extremely hard to write an extended essay about a tree’ or a ‘cat’. * Do not write in a superfluously detailed manner.

However, don’t be too brief either. Consider the word limit of your essay before you begin writing. * Don’t repeat the defined term within the bounds of the definition itself. No one will appreciate your prose if you write something like ‘Swine flu is a flu that people can catch from swine’. I Common Mistakes When Writing a Definition Essay – Trying to define a term that is too broad in scope for the essay. – Forgetting to emphasize the term that one is defining. In this case, it may be hard for the readers to understand what your essay is ultimately about.

Writing about things that are well-known and which do not have conflicting interpretations. There is no need to explain terms that everyone is familiar with. – Ignoring the necessity of examples. No matter how detailed and clear your definition is, without concrete examples, it may be hard for your readers to understand how or when a certain term should be used. – Copying the existing definition word by word. Instead, reinterpret the meaning. Do not be afraid to expound your own thoughts on a new unique definition.