The ability to clearly define a term is an important skill. A common way of starting an essay is with a definition. You may need to define specific words in your essay to make your ideas clear for the reader. Also, you may be asked to define more abstract concepts for a writing assignment, for example, "what is greatness", "what is success"?
There are four basic steps to writing a clear definition. These are meant as guidelines and not absolute rules. It may not be necessary, or even possible, to use all four of these steps for every definition you write
Classify
First, try to place the word or concept into a broad category.
Example:
- Happiness is a state of mind
- A mammal is a type of animal
- Hip hop is a genre of music.
Characterize
Once you have placed the term in a broad category, try to illustrate specific qualities that would distinguish it from other members of the same category. In other words, what makes it different? How is a mammal different from other animals? How does hip hop differ from other forms of music?
Example:
- A mammal is a warm-blooded animal that has mammary glands.
- Hip hop is a variety of music which emphasizes beat and rhythm over melody and usually contains spoken lyrics.
Clarify
Sometimes an effective way of defining something is by first explaining what it is NOT, using a negative statement in order to clear up or challenge common misconceptions. Ways of clarifying also include "not only, but", "in fact", "actually", etc.
Example:
- Good parenting is not only providing a child with financial support; good parenting involves communication, emotional support, and respect.
- Courage is not the absence of fear; actually, it is the ability to act despite our fear.
Exemplify
One of the most effective ways of explaining a word or concept is by providing an example that the reader can relate to. What is an example of a volcano? Who is an example of greatness? Sometimes, when defining abstract concepts, the example can be situational or hypothetical. In other words, when or where would you see an example of courage?
Example:
- New York City's A Tribe Called Quest is the quintessential hip hop group
- A person sacrificing his or her own life to save another is the ultimate example of selflessness.