Although it may seem obvious, the purpose of a definition essay is simply to define something. However, defining terms in writing can be more difficult than simply consulting a dictionary. The way we define terms can have profound consequences for both individuals and collective groups.
Consider alcoholism as an example. The legal, moral, or medical contexts of alcoholism will determine how one defines it. Lawyers might define alcoholism according to its legality. Parents may define it according to its morality. Doctors will define alcoholism according to its symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Also, think about terms that are often debated in our wider culture. The way we define words such as marriage or climate change has a huge impact on policy and daily decisions. Consider the conversations that couples might have where words such as commitment or respect or love may need to be clarified.
Although it can be difficult to define terms in a relationship or other contexts, once you have established a definition between two or more people, it becomes much easier to engage in productive conversations. These definitions are what allow people to communicate their ideas. Definitions are essential because they establish the parameters of a particular discourse.
It is not always easy to define terms in writing. However, how we define terms can have a wide-reaching impact on individuals and groups.
Take alcoholism, for instance. It depends on the legal, moral and medical contexts in which alcoholism is defined. Lawyers may define alcoholism based on its legality. Parents might define it based on its morality. Doctors, however, will define it based upon its symptoms and diagnostic criteria. You can also think of terms that people are likely to discuss in our larger culture. It has huge implications on the way we define words, such marriage, and Climate Change. This can have an impact on both policy and everyday decisions.
It can be difficult at first to define terms within a relationship or in any other context. However, once you have established a clear definition, it is much easier for people to have productive dialogs. The way people communicate ideas is established by definitions. They are crucial because they set the parameters for a given discourse.
The Structure of a Definition essay
The definition essay starts with a discussion of the term. Your thesis should be your definition.
The rest should explain your reasoning for the definition. Don’t forget that the dictionary definition is not exhaustive and should not be relied upon. Instead, think about the context where you are using the word. Context indicates the context, conditions, or setting within which something is or happens. Words can take on different meanings depending if they are used in the right context. The ideal leader in a battle setting might be different from the one you see in elementary school. An essay that lacks context may be too brief, confusing, or misunderstood.
The essay’s remainder should cover different aspects of each term’s definition. You might, for example, define a good leader within an elementary classroom setting by determining his personality traits. These could include patience, consistency and flexibility. Each attribute would each be discussed in its own paragraph.
The definition essay begins with a discussion about the term being defined. The thesis is your definition of that term.
The rest of your essay should explain why you chose this definition. The dictionary definition can be restrictive, so don’t rely on it. Consider the context in which the word is being used. The context describes the conditions or setting where something occurs or exists. Many words have different meanings depending upon the context in which it is used. A battlefield leader could have a very different meaning than one in elementary school. The essay might be too brief or miss the context, or it could cause confusion or misunderstood.
The rest of the essay should discuss different aspects of the definition. If you wanted to define a good leader in an elementary school setting, you could use personality traits such as patience, consistency, flexibility. Each attribute would be described in its own paragraph.
Writing a definition essay
Select a definition essay topic that is complex enough to allow for lengthy discussions. A word or phrase that is personally relevant can often lead to a more engaging and interesting essay.
Once you have selected your word or phrase, begin your essay by writing an introduction that establishes its relevance in the context. The introduction should include a thesis that clearly explains the meaning of the term within the context. It will help readers to understand the context and reduce misunderstandings.
Each paragraph should be dedicated to explaining one aspect of your definition. Use strong details and clear examples to support your points. To reinforce your thesis, your concluding paragraph should bring together all elements of your definition.
Steps Of Writing A Definition Essay
Choose Word: Topic is the first requirement in a definition essay. It is important to choose an abstract name that conveys a deep and philosophical message.
- A simple word can only be defined in one way, and so will not provide you with much content to fill your essay.
- Nouns that refer to a person, place, or thing are often too simple. Instead, research definition essay topics, concept or emotion.
- Check that the word doesn’t have multiple meanings or is unclear.
- It should refer to something that is different for different people. Definitions are subjective since they require the writers to look at the word through your eyes.
- Make sure that your analysis is unique from the rest.
- Highlight an angle of your story that is not commonly known.
- You need to know the meaning of the word. You will not be able to fully analyze the phrase if you are unfamiliar.
- Check out the dictionary to see the meanings of phrases.
- The dictionary can give you a good idea of how to format an academic or formal definition.
- A template will be provided by the dictionary to help you add your facts.
- To create an intriguing essay, you may choose words that have a dual meaning. Find the context of your story by using relatable stories.
Write and Analyze: Break down your word in different parts such suffix, prefix or root word.
- Write a description of each part in your own words. Each part of your term can be analyzed using tactics such as classification and negation.
- This strategy works only for terms that can easily be broken down to parts.
- This technique cannot be used to degrade the word love’.
- It is possible to compare this phrase with many other unidentified words, which can mean the exact same thing but are not well-known.
- Comparing will make your essay more useful to your readers.
- Use negation to explain your term’s meaning and highlight it.
- You can explain about the origin of the term using the background history (also known by the etymology), what the root language was and from which other words it derives.
