Definition :Definition What a term means and how it differs from other terms


How can we define a word? :How can we define a word? 3 Strategies


Strategy 1: :Strategy 1: Use a Synonym


Synonym :Synonym Synonyms are words that have highly similar meanings to the word being used. These are 1-word “replacement” or “quick explanation” words. For example: hapless = unlucky; diminutive = small ; neophyte = beginner


Synonym cont’d :Synonym cont’d Synonyms can define unfamiliar words quickly For example: hapless = unlucky; diminutive = small ; neophyte = beginner; feign = pretend; stipend = salary


Synonym cont’d :Synonym cont’d We can use synonyms by using the conjunction “or”: Example Your stipend, or salary, will be paid weekly. We can also use synonyms with parentheses: Example Your stipend (salary), will be paid weekly.


Synonym cont’d :Synonym cont’d Benefits of synonyms: they are brief and can quickly communicate the idea without explanation.


Synonym cont’d :Synonym cont’d Limitations of synonyms: some words cannot truly be matched with another word of the same meaning…for example: If I protest something, I could say that I object to it; therefore, object becomes a synonym for protest.


Synonym cont’d :Synonym cont’d However, to say that I protest the production of nuclear weapons is not the same as saying that I object to the production of nuclear weapons. See the nuances, or subtle differences between the two?


Strategy 2: :Strategy 2: Use an Essential Definition


Essential Definition :Essential Definition When a 1-word synonym is not enough, an essential definition is an efficient method of conveying clear meaning Essential definitions are generally 1 sentence long Essential definitions are used mostly for concrete words


Essential Definition cont’d :Essential Definition cont’d An essential definition performs three functions


Essential Definition cont’d :Essential Definition cont’d 1 Names term being defined: For example: howdah


Essential Definition cont’d :Essential Definition cont’d 2Places term in a broad category: a covered seat


Essential Definition cont’d :Essential Definition cont’d Distinguishes it from others within the category: for riding on the back of an elephant or camel


Essential Definition cont’d :Essential Definition cont’d A howdah (term) is a covered seat (general category) used for riding on the back of an elephant or camel (distinguishes it from others in the category).


Essential Definition cont’d :Essential Definition cont’d Another example: Names item being defined: vacuum cleaner Places it in a broad category: a household appliance Distinguishes it from others: that uses suction to clean A vacuum cleaner is a household appliance that uses suction to clean.


Essential Definition cont’d :Essential Definition cont’d Benefits of essential definitions: efficiently define terms that have no real synonym provide more explanation than just a one-word synonym place the word in a category so the audience can compare to similar terms


Essential Definition cont’d :Essential Definition cont’d Limitations of essential definitions: too brief to explain abstract words not good for words that have more than one meaning, like jam ( jelly, wedge into, closely packed crowd of people or cars, difficult situation).


Strategy 3: :Strategy 3: Use an Extended Definition


Extended Definition :Extended Definition An extended definition attempts to define words and terms for which there are differences of opinion. Extended definitions are excellent for abstract terms like “true love” or “cruel and unusual punishment.” What do you think constitutes true love? What type of punishment would you view as “cruel”? How about “unusual”? Neither of these ideas could be defined adequately by synonyms or essential definitions.


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d Think about these statements: She is a real environmentalist. (What comes to mind?) He is a conservative person. (What are you picturing?) That woman is foolish. (What does that mean?) Why is he so high maintenance? (What’s he like?) My sister is intelligent. (Meaning what?) Obviously, people have different ideas about the above terms!


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d Have you seen one of the many court shows on TV recently (Judge Judy, Judge Joe Brown)? Many cases are about determining the difference between a “gift” and a “loan.” OR one side is attempting to show negligence, willful intent, malicious behavior, or harassment. The judge must listen to both sides provide their definitions and make a determination. The judge is using definition skills, determining whether or not the actions of the litigants fit the definition of the legal term.


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d Have you ever read information about a disease or ailment? You were most likely reading an extended definition of the disease. For example, consider Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is not something that can be defined by either by a synonym or essential definition. This requires an extended definition.


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d What could you include in your definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Description of the symptoms Types of people who are most likely to be affected by CFS Stages of CFS…the process of how it progresses Theories about possible causes of CFS Case studies, or stories of different CFS sufferers The effects of CFS upon daily life…how debilitating is it? Has CFS been compared to another ailment? Have patients who suffer from CFS been diagnosed with a similar disease? Controversy about CFS – Why? How has this controversy influenced people’s opinions about CFS? What CFS is NOT: (not just being tired, not something easily remedied by drugs, not the same in everyone)


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d Guess what? You have just used the rhetorical strategies to define CFS. (Remember…rhetorical strategies or patterns, as in Patterns for College Writing?) Some day you may be asked to define a complex term from sociology, psychology, or economics. OR you may need to define a medical condition/disease for a patient. Understanding your options for defining a term clearly is important, as not every term comes with a pamphlet explaining exactly what you want to say.


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d Remember that an Extended Definition uses some or all of the rhetorical strategies, including: Narration – use narration to provide human examples Description – describe characteristics, under what circumstances we see/use the term, who embodies the term best Exemplification – use examples of people and events to illustrate your points about the term Process analysis – show a progression of steps: how something happens/what happened/how to do something Comparison – what can we see today that is similar? Movies? TV?


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d Remember that an Extended Definition uses some or all of the rhetorical strategies, including: Cause – what causes the manifestation of the word/term? What catalysts are evident? Background reasons? Effect – What effects does this word/term have society? The world? Who? For how long? Classification – what types of this word/term are evident? Types of people, situations… Negation – what the word/term is NOT (success is not hurting people to get to the top; racism is not racial pride; being healthy is not being model-thin; activism is not violence; aid is not a handout)


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d When you define terms in Humanities and Social Sciences classes, you often are encouraged to be subjective and creative in your vision of a term. However, in the Sciences, definitions may require precise, objective knowledge. Your job may have specific requirements for reports and evaluations. Be sure to understand what your instructor or supervisor requires.


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d When writing a subjective definition, be sure to use non-obvious, non-cliché, and unique descriptions. The purpose of a subjective definition paper is to communicate your thoughts about the term …not to simply define it. Remember to think: “This is how I define this word…others may not see things my way.” Obvious and boring definitions weaken your work and reduce your chances of achieving excellence!


Extended Definition cont’d :Extended Definition cont’d Look at the following list. Do you think many possible definitions would apply depending upon various circumstances and opinions? Extended definitions would begin to place boundaries around these slippery words. Delinquent Offensive Pornographic Materialistic Disabled Artistic Progressive Poor Faith Voyeurism Private/Privacy Argument Passionate Injustice Masculine Feminine Peaceful Spoiled child Overweight Skinny Hate Prejudice Cruelty Unhealthy Ignorant Crisis Apathy Generous Devout Harassment Isolated Liberal Ethical Excessive Workaholic


Definition Review :Definition Review When defining a term, you can use a: Synonym Essential Definition Extended Definition


Remember to define terms clearly! :Remember to define terms clearly! End of presentation.