Identifying Types of Definitions
Learning Objectives:
- Identify formal definitions.
- Identify informal definitions.
- Identify extended definitions.
LESSON
When writers are trying to explain an unfamiliar idea, they rely on definitions. All definitions attempt to explain or clarify a term. This lesson will introduce you to the three different types of definitions: formal, informal, and extended.
Formal Definitions
A formal definitionThe meaning of a word that consists of three parts: the term, the part of speech to which it belongs, and all the traits or characteristics that set it apart from every other item in that class. consists of three parts: the term, the part of speech to which it belongs, such as a nounA part of speech that refers to a person, place, or thing. Examples include: swimmer, lake, sunscreen. or a verbA part of speech that refers to what is happening, the action, what the subject is doing, or how it is “being.” Examples include: sleep, to be, think., and all the traitsThe specific parts of a person, place, or thing that distinguish it from another. or characteristics that are specific to that term. The dictionary is filled with formal definitions, but it is not the only place where you will find them. Writers often include formal definitions when they are writing about something that may be unfamiliar to their readers. In textbooks, you may find the formal definition of terms listed at the beginning, at the end of a chapter, or in the glossary, which is a mini-dictionary of terms relevant to that text.
Formal definition example:
Term: freedom
Part of speech: noun
Definition: The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
Informal Definitions
In an informal definitionThe meaning of a word that is explained using known words or examples to define an unknown term. These definitions may be synonyms or antonyms introduced by or, in other words, or like., the writer uses known words or examples to explain an unknown term. These definitions may be synonymsA word or phrase that has an identical or very similar meaning to another word. Example: tiny is a synonym for small. or antonymsA word or phrase that has the opposite meaning from another word. Example: huge is an antonym for small. introduced by or, in other words, or like.
Informal definition example:
Freedom, also referred to as liberty or independence, is a state people reach when they are free to think and do whatever they please.
Extended Definitions
Extended definitionsThe meaning of an idea or word that has components of both informal and formal definitions, but is presented in a longer, paragraph format. generally have components of both informal and formal definitions. However, as the name suggests, the author uses a number of other techniques to define a word, concept, or phraseA set of words that express an idea. A phrase may or may not form a complete sentence., including the following:
- Listing and describing the parts: identifying smaller, more familiar pieces of an idea to point to the definition of the bigger concept.
- EtymologyThe study of the origins of words; where the meaning of a word comes from.: sharing a word's origin.
- Examples or anecdotesA brief, interesting story that writers often use to demonstrate a point within a work.: telling a story or example that illustrates the term.
- Negation: defining a term by explaining what the concept is not.
- Evoking the senses: using a word that creates a picture in the reader's mind so that the reader might relate through memory of sound, sight, touch, hearing, or smell.
- Environment or sector: pointing out how and where something is used.
- Ramifications: showing how the term or concept affects people or objects.
- Historical references: showing how a word has been defined throughout history.
Extended definition example:
To our colonial forefathers, freedom meant having a voice in their government. (historical reference) The Revolutionary War was a last resort against an empire that continued to tax its colonists without the representation of the colonists in Parliament. Since the United States won the right to rule itself, our country has been referred to as "the land of the free and the home of the brave." (example) True freedom means the ability to think, feel, say, or act however one chooses. (listing parts) It is a state where the bars of bondage do not exist. (negation) Unfortunately, the widening gap between the haves and have nots means that some are now shackled by their lack of education. (evoke the senses: shackled) Americans can attain real freedom when everyone has the same educational opportunities.
Copyright ©2022 The NROC Project
