· Pre-Writing Steps. 1. Choosing a Proper Term . When choosing a topic, it is necessary to choose a word that is not simple, and does not have a solid precise definition. 2. The Word Should Be Multi-Dimensional . This means that you need to choose a word that has different meanings for different · Writing a word-for-word definition from the dictionary can be awkward, and putting the definition in the wrong part of your essay can make it seem poorly organized or confusing. To use definitions effectively, you should be concise, use your own words and introduce the definitions in the body of the essay rather than in the introduction · A definition essay is a type of writing assignment that asks students to define a term, concept, or idea. Students cannot just provide a dictionary definition; students must extend the definition using well-thought examples. This list of definition essay topics covers a variety of areas. The topics are free to use and share with others
How to Write a Definition Essay: All Writing Tips, Terms Here
A definition essay can be deceivingly difficult to write. This type of paper requires you to write a personal yet academic definition of one specific writing a definition in an essay. The definition must be thorough and lengthy. It is essential that you choose a word that will give you plenty to write about, and there are a few standard tactics you can use to elaborate on the term.
Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when writing a definition essay. A simple word that refers to a concrete word will not give you much to write about, but a complex word that refers to an abstract concept provides more material to explore. Aside from being complex, the word should also refer to something that can mean different things to different people. Dictionary definitions can only tell you so much. Since you need to elaborate on the word you choose to define, you will need to have your own base of knowledge or experience with the concept you choose.
While you will not be relying completely on the dictionary definition for your essay, familiarizing yourself with the official definition will allow you to compare your own understanding of the concept with the simplest, most academic explanation of it. Look up your chosen word in the Oxford English Dictionary or in another etymology dictionary.
Specify what classes and parts of speech a word belongs to according to a standard dictionary definition. An unfamiliar or uncommon concept can be explained using concepts that are more accessible to the average person. Explain any physical characteristics or traditional thoughts used to describe your term of choice. People often relate to stories and vivid images, writing a definition in an essay, so using a fitting story or image that relates to the term can be used in clarifying an abstract, formless concept.
If a term is often misused or misunderstood, mentioning what it is not is an effective way to bring the concept into focus.
This is when your research about the etymology of a word will come in handy. Explain where the term originated and how it came to mean what it currently means. You need to clearly state what your word is along with its traditional or dictionary definition in your introductory paragraph.
If the term you define plays a part in your own life and experiences, your final concluding remarks are a good place to briefly mention the role it plays. Skip to main content. Module 3: Definition Essay. Search for:. How to Writing a definition in an essay a Definition Essay A definition essay can be deceivingly difficult to write. Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Word 1: Choose an abstract word with a complex meaning. Typically, nouns that refer to a person, place, or thing are too simple for a definition essay.
Nouns that refer to an idea work better, however, as do most adjectives. A definition essay is somewhat subjective by nature since it requires you to analyze and define a word from your own perspective.
If the answer you come up with after analyzing a word is the same answer anyone else would come up with, your essay may appear to lack depth. You can introduce yourself to the word for your essay, but without previous understanding of the concept, you will not know if the definition you describe is truly fitting. Part 2 of 3: Potential Elements of an Effective Definition 1: Write an analysis.
Analyze and define each part in its own paragraph. Note that this tactic only works for words that contain multiple parts. While this information is very basic and dry, it can provide helpful context about the way that a given word is used. Someone who mows the lawn of an elderly neighbor is a valid example, just as someone who gave you an encouraging word when you were feeling down might be.
Part 3 of 3: Definition Essay Structure 1: Introduce the standard definition, writing a definition in an essay. By opening with the dictionary definition of your term, writing a definition in an essay, you create context and a basic level of knowledge about the word. This will allow you to introduce and elaborate on your own definition.
This is especially significant when the traditional definition of your term varies writing a definition in an essay your own definition in notable ways. Your actual thesis statement should define the term in your own words. Keep the definition in your thesis brief and basic. You will elaborate on it more in the body of your paper. Each tactic or method used to define your term should be explored in writing a definition in an essay separate paragraph.
Note that you do not need to use all the possible methods of defining a term in your essay. You should use a variety of different methods in order to create a full, well-rounded picture of the term, but some tactics will work great with some terms but not with others.
Briefly summarize your main points around the start of your concluding paragraph. This summary does not need to be elaborate. Usually, looking at the topic sentence of each body paragraph is a good way to form a simple list of your main points. You can also draw the essay to a close by referring to phrases or images evoked in your introduction. Relate your experience with the term to the definition you created for it in your thesis.
Avoid sharing experiences that relate to the term but contradict everything you wrote in your essay. Licenses and Attributions. CC licensed content, Shared previously.
Extended Definitions: How to Write a Definition Essay in APA Style
, time: 8:30How to Put a Definition in an Essay | Synonym
The term “definition essay” explains its meaning by itself; you should provide the audience with the complete definition of the particular word. The length of such writing is about half a page because it is enough to give a comprehensive explanation You may also see Steps in Writing an Analytical Essay A definition and descriptive essay are two different types of essay. A definition essay focuses on the exact meaning of the given term while a descriptive essay intends to describe or vividly depict a part of the term How to Write a Definition Essay. 1: Choose an abstract word with a complex meaning. A simple word that refers to a concrete word will not give you much to write about, but a complex 2: Make sure that the word is disputable. 3: Choose a word you have some familiarity with. 4: Read the dictionary
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