Definition EssayWIT Comp 2

DefinitionA definition essay is an essay that defines a word, term,

or concept. In this essay you should not define a term using a

dictionary definition, but instead explain the term with your own personal understanding of it, anecdotes, experience.

It should attempt to explain why the term is defined as such.

It could define the term directly, giving no information other than the explanation of the term.

Alternatively, it could imply the definition of the term, telling a story that requires the reader to infer the meaning.

Topic Selection: Whatever essay topic you choose, you should be interested in the

subject and familiar with it. It would be great if you had your personal experience in the matter you are going to define.

When assigned this type of essay it might be easy to pick a word, term, or concept that you like. When thinking of ideas for definition try to avoid words that are too specific.

For example, if you pick the word “tree” you will be able to define the word, explain the various uses of the tree, and tell an anecdote about a tree in your life, but it might be very difficult for you to write a lengthy college essay on the definition of the word “tree”.

A better word might be something more general, i.e. pain or love. Pain is a concept all humans have felt and pondered about at one time or another. There can be emotional pain, physical pain, and mental pain allowing you to share various definitions of the word while adding many personal anecdotes and commentaries for clarification.

TopicsChoosing a definition is a key step in writing a

definition essay. You need to understand the term before you can define it for others.

Read the dictionary, but don't just copy the definition.Explain the term briefly in your own words. Also, it's

important to limit your term before you start defining it.

For example, you could write forever on the term "love." To limit it, you would write about either "romantic love," "platonic love," or "first love."

Topic ideas: Obscure, unknown--the definition given is usually formal Necessary to a field of study--usually formal definitions are given Misunderstood--these essays often focus on the value of a

correct understanding or the history of how the word became misunderstood

Abstract--Often-informal definitions will be given of abstract words like love or beauty with the purpose of making these abstractions more accessible or concrete. Often these definitions are highly personal.

Commonplace--sometimes definition essays will focus on commonplace words for the purpose of leading readers to a new appreciation of the word or to revitalize the word.

Sample Topics Kindness Sense of humor Love Charisma Team player Optimism Beauty Respect Ambition

Honesty Honor Pain Hinky Leadership Athlete Outcast Feminism

Methods of supportDescribe itTell stories about it (anecdotes)Compare/contrast it to other thingsGive examples of itClassify it and identify its unique propertiesDescribe causes/effects of the item being definedExplain its process of functioningAnalogiesExtended examples (narratives)

OrganizationAs mentioned above, this mode has one unique

feature which stands out compared to the other modes: it has no outline, format, or approach to call its own. That is, in a sense, its uniqueness is its very lack of uniqueness.  

Where does that leave a writer trying to use this mode, though? The answer is simple enough: When you use the definition mode, you have to choose another primary mode with which to carry or reveal the definition you're seeking.

Organization… choose from… example mode (supporting a thesis by describing several general

contexts or situations in which that thesis holds true); the persuasive mode (supporting a thesis with several logical

reasons why that position or opinion should be accepted); or the classification mode (supporting a thesis or exploring an issue

by breaking a whole into its parts); or the comparison mode (supporting a position by referring to a

similar case in a like context); or the contrast mode (supporting a position by showing how two

things or situations are unlike); or the cause mode (exploring the causes of a given situation--

sometimes appears similar to the persuasive mode); or the effect mode (exploring the effects of a given situation). Other possible options are the narrative mode, the descriptive

mode, the process analysis mode, and so forth.

ThesisThe thesis is the formal definition.The point of view of the author on a certain term is

revealed. The term is given the general basic definition implying that

the dictionary definitions must be only a start for the author’s unique definition of the term.

Specifies what meaning of the term is to be analyzed.Provides a brief, basic definitionThe significance, importance, relevance, or value of

discussing this term is usually provided in the introduction.

Structure of the essay Definition is presented It is analyzed by:

Function: Explain what something does or how something works. Structure: Tell how something is organized or put together. Analysis: Compare the term to other members of its class and then

illustrate the differences. These differences are special characteristics that make the term stand out.

Define by what the term does not mean: This distinction can sometimes clarify a definition and help a reader to better understand it.

The meanings which are not considered by the author are specified.

The definition is supported with various examples. The structure of the essay language must be appealing to the

reader.

Now… Brainstorm on general concepts, words, and things that are

related to you and your life.  Write an OUTLINE which includes both the dictionary definition

of the term and your personal definition of the term. When completing the outline for your definition essay you

will need to decide how you will organize your essay, i.e. will you organize based on personal information or origins and causes, infused with personal narration for clarification?

Begin to write your definition all the while remembering to ensure clarification.

Five Sources are required. Ensure that you have cited all sources properly, i.e. in text, APA, or MLA, etc…