How To Put A Definition In A Paper

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Writing Definitions

Summary:

This handout provides suggestions and examples for writing definitions.

A formal definition is based upon a concise, logical pattern that includes as much information as information technology tin within a minimum amount of space. The primary reason to include definitions in your writing is to avoid misunderstanding with your audience. A formal definition consists of three parts:

The term (give-and-take or phrase) to be divers
The class of object or concept to which the term belongs
The differentiating characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class

For example:

H2o (term) is a liquid (grade) fabricated upwardly of molecules of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of ii to 1 (differentiating characteristics).
Comic books (term) are sequential and narrative publications (class) consisting of illustrations, captions, dialogue balloons, and often focus on super-powered heroes (differentiating characteristics).
Astronomy (term) is a branch of scientific study (class) primarily concerned with celestial objects inside and outside of the globe'due south atmosphere (differentiating characteristics).

Although these examples should illustrate the manner in which the three parts work together, they are not the most realistic cases. Most readers volition already be quite familiar with the concepts of water, comic books, and astronomy. For this reason, it is of import to know when and why you lot should include definitions in your writing.

When to Use Definitions

When your writing contains a term that may exist key to audience understanding and that term could likely be unfamiliar to them
"Stellar Wobble is a measurable variation of speed wherein a star'due south velocity is shifted by the gravitational pull of a foreign trunk."
When a usually used word or phrase has layers of subjectivity or evaluation in the way y'all choose to define it
"Throughout this essay, the term classic gaming volition refer specifically to playing video games produced for the Atari, the original Nintendo Entertainment Organisation, and any systems in-between."
Note: not everyone may ascertain "classic gaming" within this aforementioned time span; therefore, information technology is important to define your terms
When the etymology (origin and history) of a mutual word might prove interesting or will assist aggrandize upon a betoken
"Infidel can exist traced back to Roman military slang for an incompetent soldier. In this sense, Christians who consider themselves soldiers of Christ are using the term not only to suggest a person's secular condition but also their lack of bravery.'

Additional Tips for Writing Definitions

Avoid defining with "10 is when" and "Ten is where" statements. These introductory adverb phrases should be avoided. Define a noun with a noun, a verb with a verb, and so forth.
Do non define a word by mere repetition or merely restating the word.

"Rhyming poetry consists of lines that contain terminate rhymes."

Ameliorate:

"Rhyming verse is an artform consisting of lines whose final words consistently contain identical, final stressed vowel sounds."
Ascertain a word in unproblematic and familiar terms. Your definition of an unfamiliar word should not lead your audience towards looking up more words in order to empathise your definition.
Continue the grade portion of your definition pocket-size merely adequate. It should be large enough to include all members of the term y'all are defining but no larger. Avert adding personal details to definitions. Although y'all may remember the story well-nigh your Grandfather will perfectly encapsulate the concept of stinginess, your audience may fail to chronicle. Offering personal definitions may but increase the likeliness of misinterpretation that you are trying to avoid.