What are the three types of definitions in English?

Abstract

A definition is a statement about the meaning of a word or phrase. It makes things more clear. To define a term, we should utilize the words, which are already understood; but that is not the whole story! The definition of a word depends on the context. We can profound different types of definitions. Which one should we choose? Further, there are many unclarities in the definition of a word or phrase; For example, the word “Bank” has two different meanings; it would mean a financial institution; or the side of a river. In addition, we have the word or phrase with several distinct meanings, but there are similar meanings, which can confuse us. Another problem is “Vagueness”. It is where you have a word or phrase that, even within one kind of meaning, doesn’t have precise conditions of applications. Therefore, the main purpose of a definition is to eliminate uncertainty and ambiguity.

Introduction

We must comprehend almost all types of definitions; choose the right one, and employ it correctly. There are many types of definitions; each has got a particular purpose. In addition, they relate to each other from an aspect that makes them easier to understand and employ. Thus, we don’t explain a specific type of definition but rather a set related to each other. The type of definition that is used for a document will rely upon its general aim. There are three types of definitions generally used in English writing that we have explained below; “Formal and extended definition”, “Intentional and extensional definition”, and “Stipulative, theoretical, precise and, lexical definition.”

Formal and extended definition

Let’s begin with an example. The formal definition of water: ”it is a liquid which consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one oxygen (H2O).” but the extended one have got something additional to the formal one; we try to explain the physical and chemical properties of some basic characteristics: ”a colorless, tasteless, and odorless. It boils at 100 Celsius, and freezes at 0 degrees Celsius.” difference between formal and extended

Intentional and extensional definition

The intentional definition means trying to explain the features of something. For example, a pen is an object, which is used to write. However, a definition is extensional when we try to extend the definition to a much broader perspective. E.g., “Venus is an object moving in an elliptical orbit around Sun”. In this type of definition, we try to extend the definition outside its embed.

An intentional definition might be etymological. Let’s explain it by “geography”. Rather than explaining what geography means, we break down the word into two parts and explain each of them. Here, geography comprises two words, “geo,” which means earth plus “graph,” which means to describe; thus, we can say geography is a subject that describes earth. The next is operational that is conditional. If we say that something is “A”, it can happen if and only if “B” existed. It is a definition for “A”. The last one is genus versus differentia. Genus is a broad group, and differentia is a part of that group.

An extensional definition way could be by giving an example. For example, when we want to define a pen, we give an example of a specific pen, saying: “BIC”. We can also present specific values, beliefs, which you cannot define into statements. To define a certain color to a child, the only way is by observing this color and asking him by pointing it out and asking him that this is a green color. So that definition is

There are some rules for an intentional definition. Remember to focus on essential features; it should not be confusing (for example, the definition may be circular). In addition, you need to capture what it is meant for; never incorporate unnecessary stuff into the concept. In addition, you should avoid figurative language and be affirmative. A negative statement usually doesn’t lead to a good definition. For example, an honest man is a person who rarely lies.

Stipulative, theoretical, precise and, lexical definition

It declares what a word or phrase means. Many times, it is going to be the first time that this word or phrase appears. It cannot be wrong! Lexical type of definition, instead of declaring the meaning, is trying to describe an existing meaning. They are originated from ordinary language and descriptive. Lexical definitions are either true or false. If the definition is the same as the actual use of the word, it is true otherwise false.

If you look up words in the dictionary, the dictionary definitions are almost all of the words are lexical; they are never stipulative. A precise definition involves a certain amount of stipulation, but it also involves the ordinary meaning of a word because a precising definition sort of starts with the existing meaning and then modifies it. For example, “laptop”; there was no definition of “laptop” before computers were made. Stipulative type of definition neither true nor false.

Even more with the stipulative side of things that a précising definition is what we call a theoretical definition. It declares the meaning of a word or phrase within the context of a theory. Therefore, some kind of background theory is involved in understanding, which may even be necessary for understanding. The difference between theoretical and lexical definition that lexical definition is not the kind of definition that a specialist says in some science, but a theoretical type of definition is the one that an specialist comes up with. The theoretical type of definition helps us in general understanding and practice. For example, AIDS is a disease caused by HIV, and it is due to a Portia mystic’s infection. Another example of a theoretical definition would be the definition of force in Newtonian physics, which is mass, times acceleration.

How to define a word or phrase in a lexical way? First, your definition should be grammatical. The third is the definition should be neither too broad nor too narrow (some definitions may be too broad and too narrow!). It also should convey the essential meaning. Forth, the definition should not be circular. For example, this definition of the word “revisionary” is circular: “Of or pertaining to revision”. Fifth, the definition should not be negative unless it is unavoidable. Sixth, the definition should avoid figurative, vague or obscure language.

Conclusion

I think it is obvious that a definition shouldn’t be persuasive! When someone gives a persuasive type of definition it is a bad thing; it is kind of definition that you should not be giving because it is more concerned with making the things sound good or bad then actually describing what it is. In this type of definition, we have some attitude or emotion that is attached to the definition. Of course, it is not only the persuasive definition that makes the term sound good or bad. For example, if the word actually means something is bad then it is not persuasive.

Now it is time to say something about “How to write a definition”[2]. Determine a concept that describes. Indeed you should be familiar with it. Don’t use concrete concepts as much as possible. Say something about the origin of the term. Search for any defined term that you can compare with it; also if it is the opposite. Use famous quotes from great writers or the news agency.