The Definition Essay

1. The Definition Essay Now What Do You Mean By That?

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.