How to Write an Extended Definition Essay
- Choose the right term. You will be given a short list of terms that you associate with various experiences and...
- Extended Definition Essay Outline - Plan your work. First, make a short extended definition outline. This will help you...
- Refer to particular situations. It would be good to stay within the limits of an abstract...
Full Answer
What is an extended definition essay example?
Extended definition essay example is a type of essay that provides a comprehensive explanation of a term. Thus, while specific objects may be defined easily and have a single meaning, there are abstract terms that require a wider description.
What is an extended definition of grammar?
Richard Nordquist is a freelance writer and former professor of English and Rhetoric who wrote college-level Grammar and Composition textbooks. In a paragraph, essay, or speech, an extended definition is an explanation and/or illustration of a word, thing, or concept.
How does an extended definition inform the reader?
"More often than not, an extended definition informs. Sometimes you inform by clarifying something that is complex.... A definition can also inform by bringing the reader to a fresh appreciation of something familiar or taken for granted...." Brooks, Cleanth and Robert Penn Warren.
What is an example of an extended definition of friendship?
An extended definition is illustrated in the following example, the beginning of a definition of friendship: Friendship is a state of acquaintance between or among people characterized by a strong bond of shared concern and caring. In true friendship the bond is mutually shared. What is a formal and extended definition?
How do you make an extended definition?
11 techniques for writing extended definitionsEtymology: Explaining origin of the word itself.History: If relevant and helpful for explaining the term, discussing the history of the term/its use/controversies associated with it.Cause and Effect: Discussing how the situation came about and what effects it may have.More items...
What are the 3 types of definition?
When writers are trying to explain an unfamiliar idea, they rely on definitions. All definitions attempt to explain or clarify a term. This lesson will introduce you to the three different types of definitions: formal, informal, and extended.
What is an example of an extended definition?
An extended definition is illustrated in the following example, the beginning of a definition of friendship: Friendship is a state of acquaintance between or among people characterized by a strong bond of shared concern and caring. In true friendship the bond is mutually shared.
What is an extended definition?
An extended definition is a one or more paragraphs that attempt to explain a complex term. Some terms may be so important in your report, there may be so much confusion about them, or they may be so difficult to understand that an extended discussion is vital for the success of your report.
What are the 4 types of definition?
(1) Definition by synonym; (2) Ostensive definitions; (3) Stipulative definitions, and. (4) Analytical definitions. The appropriateness of a definition is measured by its usefulness.
What is the three main parts of a formal definition?
A formal definition consists of three parts: The term (word or phrase) to be defined. The class of object or concept to which the term belongs. The differentiating characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class.
What is expanded definition in research?
“An extended definition is a detailed explanation—usually one or more paragraphs—of an object, process, or idea. Often an extended definition begins with a sentence definition, which is then. elaborated.” —
What is an extended definition essay?
An extended definition essay takes a term, concept or idea and defines it in great detail. An extended definition essay may consider the structure, function, or underlying meaning of the topic at hand.
What are the two techniques of definition?
We introduce two kinds of definition: definition relative to an approximate theory and second order structural definition and apply them to defining mental qualities.
What are the essential parts of expanded definition?
This assignment consists of two parts: (1) an extended definition and (2) a memo. An extended definition is a detailed clarification of an object, mechanism, process, or concept.
Which of the following best defines expanded definitions?
Which of the following best defines “expanded definitions”? It is the process of combining words. It defines and explains deeper the meaning of words.
What are major types of definitions?
However, the two most general types of definitions are intensional and extensional definitions.The two general kinds of definitions.Intensional definitions.Extensional definitions.Stipulative definitions.Lexical definitions.Partitive definitions.Functional definitions.Encyclopedic definitions.More items...
What are the 2 types of definitions?
Researchers develop two kinds of definitions:Theoretical Definitions.Operational Definitions.
What is formal and informal definition?
Formal language is less personal than informal language. It is used when writing for professional or academic purposes like graduate school assignments. Formal language does not use colloquialisms, contractions or first-person pronouns such as “I” or “We.” Informal language is more casual and spontaneous.
What are the six types of definitions?
Definitions1.1 Real and nominal definitions.1.2 Dictionary definitions.1.3 Stipulative definitions.1.4 Descriptive definitions.1.5 Explicative definitions.1.6 Ostensive definitions.1.7 A remark.
Choose the right term
You will be given a short list of terms that you associate with various experiences and situations. If you do not have enough self-confidence, we recommend you to select an extended definition topic which seems the most appropriate for you (you have knowledge and information about it; for example, the term “friendship”).
Extended Definition Essay Outline - Plan your work
First, make a short extended definition outline. This will help you develop your ideas in a better way. Follow the usual structure of the five-paragraph essay:
Refer to particular situations
It would be good to stay within the limits of an abstract thought, but probably no one will comprehend your ideas. Thus, you need to refer to particular cases. Describe them in one sentence only. Employ impartial language and do not become too emotional. It is recommended to refrain from using pronouns like “I” or “my” throughout the essay.
Another strategy: opposition
It is not posited that an extended definition essay should deal only with different meanings of one term. Another strategy of writing can be employed, but it is of a very advanced type. Your essay may be engaged with criticism of the widely accepted definitions or perceptions of the given term.
Extended Definition Essay Topics
Extended definition essay topics allow the writer to completely define and explain the meaning of a subject matter in their own words. When writing an extended definition essay, you should give examples and experiences related to the topic to emphasize its meaning.
What does Barbara Fine Clouse mean by extended definition?
Barbara Fine Clouse explains that an extended definition can also serve a persuasive purpose. "More often than not, an extended definition informs. Sometimes you inform by clarifying something that is complex.... A definition can also inform by bringing the reader to a fresh appreciation of something familiar or taken for granted....".
What is an extended definition?
In a paragraph, essay, or speech, an extended definition is an explanation and/or illustration of a word, thing, or concept. Randy Devillez in "Step by Step College Writing" says that an extended definition can be "as short as a paragraph or two or as long as several hundred pages (such as a legal definition of obscene ).".
What does "family" mean in the death of Adam?
In "The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought," Marilynne Robinson points out that "We are all aware that 'family' is a word which eludes definition, as do other important things, like nation, race, culture, gender, species; like art, science, virtue, vice, beauty, truth, justice, happiness, ...
Who is Richard Nordquist?
Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. In a paragraph, essay, or speech, an extended definition is an explanation and/or illustration of a word, thing, or concept. Randy Devillez in "Step by Step College Writing" ...
Who said "You're all damned"?
An Extended Definition of Damned. In the film, "Cold Comfort Farm," actor Ian McKellen plays the part of Amos Starkadder, who says: "You're all damned! Damned!
What does it mean to be home?
In other words, being surrounded with pleasant people, doing favorite job, spending time in a comfortable place at the right time, taking care of somebody or being taken care of, eating a delicious meal – all of these things are home, as they provoke that warm feeling inside one’s heart, or else, a sense of belonging.
Why is it so difficult to write a definition essay?
To simply write a definition essay is complicated because every person has a different perception. The only way to capture the meaning of an issue is to experience it, dig deeper into an issue or find someone who could help with it.
What is an extended definition essay?
Extended Definition Essay Example. A definition essay is a type of essays that provides a comprehensive explanation of a term. In the broad sense of the word, you need to write an essay to define one or another issue from your personal perspective. Yes, you can look the word up in a dictionary and provide its precise definition.
Why do people yearn for holidays?
Adults yearn for holidays to take a break from their monotonous routine . At the same time, there is a necessity for them to make numerous plans for holidays – where and when to go, how much to spend, etc. It may cause some stress and the unwillingness to plan anything for holidays.
Why did Edward VIII abdicate the throne?
Sometimes, the behavior of loving couples may impress – just take the love story of Edward VIII who abdicated the throne because of his desire to marry a two-time divorced American woman, Wallis Simpson. No sooner had Joséphine asked to present something cute and simple, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Sicily.
How many days should I work in a week?
As a result, people prefer to stay at home lazing on a sofa and eating pizza. A working week consisting of 5 days allows having additional days to spend the time of rest together with family members, friends, or spend it on own. Usually, there is no rule for going to bed in the evening and getting up in the morning.
How to transition from break to work?
Just squeeze in an hour or two each day for completing some tasks – to read a book or write an essay. And certainly, don’t forget about your interests and hobbies – dancing, blogging, swimming, yoga, painting, or music.
What are the three types of sentences?
Three essential types of sentence are declarative sentences (which are statements), interrogative sentences (which are questions), and imperative sentences (which are orders). Join us as we give examples of each!
What is a sentence?
What is called sentence? A sentence is a grammatically complete idea. All sentences have a noun or pronoun component called the subject, and a verb part called the predicate. David and Paige explore this division across several different example sentences.
How many independent clauses are in a compound sentence?
A simple sentence contains one independent clause. A compound sentence contains more than one! Put another way: a simple sentence contains a subject and a predicate, but a compound sentence contains more than one subject and more than one predicate.
What is a formal sentence?
Formal sentence definitions: their components are the term being defined, the class it belongs to, and its distinguishing characteristics. Somewhere in your extended definition, you’ll need to explain them as well, possibly by using short definitions (explained later in this section).
What is an extended definition?
What is an example of an extended definition? An extended definition is illustrated in the following example, the beginning of a definition of friendship: Friendship is a state of acquaintance between or among people characterized by a strong bond of shared concern and caring. In true friendship the bond is mutually shared.
How to write a word essay?
If you work well with lists, write the word at the top of the paper and fill the rest of the page with all the things that the word makes you think of , feel, see, or even smell, without stopping. It's OK to go off on tangents, as you might find a surprising connection that could make a powerful, insightful, or even humorous essay. Alternatively, brainstorm by writing the word in the middle of your paper and connect other related words to it and each other.
What is abstract concept?
Abstract concepts, including many of the broad terms in the list that follows, need to be "brought to earth" with an example to relate what they mean to your reader and to get your point or opinion across. You could illustrate the concepts with anecdotes from your personal life or examples from the news or current events, or write an opinion piece.
What is extended definition?
An extended definition goes beyond what can be found in a dictionary, offering an expanded analysis and illustration of a concept that might be abstract, controversial, unfamiliar, or frequently misunderstood.
Is a first draft a prewriting exercise?
It's possible that your first draft turns out to be prewriting and leads to a better idea that can be developed further and can possibly even incorporate the prewriting exercise. Time spent writing is time spent exploring and is never wasted, as sometimes it takes a bit of pursuit to discover the perfect idea.
What are the three types of definitions used in technical writing?
There are three types of definitions commonly used in technical writing: Parenthetical definitions. Sentence definitions. Extended definitions.
What are some examples of sentences?
Here are some other examples of sentence definitions: 1 A pig is an animal that rolls in the mud. 2 Scissors are an instrument that is used to cut items, such as paper. 3 A hoyden is a girl who is boisterous and bold. 4 A kickshaw is food served as an appetizer and is usually a delicacy.
What is parenthetical definition?
Parenthetical definitions are words that quickly explain a term and are included within the same sentence as the word being defined. These informal definitions can be a synonym or a short phrase. The definition will be placed in parentheses immediately following the word being defined.
What are the three types of technical definitions?
There are three types of definitions commonly used in technical writing: Parenthetical definitions, which are words that quickly explain a term and are included within the same sentence as the word being defined. Sentence definitions, which are an explanation of a word using one sentence.
Why is it important to have an extended definition?
Extended definitions are usually located in the introductory material of a document because the information is needed before the audience can understand the subject matter of the document. Lesson Summary. Definitions in technical writing are necessary to improve comprehension for our audience.
How many paragraphs do you need to define a word?
Depending on the complexity of the term, you may find that you need more than one paragraph to define the word. If you need to write more than one paragraph, consider using one or a combination of the following modes of writing to help explain the term: Description to explain the color, size, and shape.
What is distinguishing feature?
Notice that the word being defined is provided first (heart), then the word is put into a class or category (organ), and finally, distinguishing features are explained (pumps blood).
Examples
Observations
- "An extended definition may explain the word's etymology or historical roots, describe sensory characteristics of something (how it looks, feels, sounds, tastes, smells), identify its parts, indicate how something is used, explain what it is not, provide an exampleof it, and/or note similarities or differences between this term and other words or t...
Introduction to An Extended Definition: Family
- In "The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought," Marilynne Robinson points out that "We are all aware that 'family' is a word which eludes definition, as do other important things, like nation, race, culture, gender, species; like art, science, virtue, vice, beauty, truth, justice, happiness, religion; like success; like intelligence. The attempt to impose a definition on indeterminacy and …
An Extended Definition of Damned
- In the film, "Cold Comfort Farm," actor Ian McKellen plays the part of Amos Starkadder, who says: "You're all damned! Damned! Do you ever stop to think what that word means? No, you don't. It means endless, horrifying torment! It means your poor, sinful bodies stretched out on red-hot gridirons in the nethermost, fiery pit of hell, and those demons mocking ye while they wave cooli…
Composing An Extended Definition of Democracy
- "Sometimes,...particularly when we are thinking seriously about a complicated concept, such as democracy, we use a definition as the basis for an entire theme; that is, we write what may be called an extended definition," says Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn Warren in "Modern Rhetoric."
Purposes of An Extended Definition
- Barbara Fine Clouse explains that an extended definition can also serve a persuasive purpose. "More often than not, an extended definition informs. Sometimes you inform by clarifying something that is complex.... A definition can also inform by bringing the reader to a fresh appreciation of something familiar or taken for granted...."
Sources
- Brooks, Cleanth and Robert Penn Warren. Modern Rhetoric. Abridged 3rd ed., Harcourt, 1972. Clouse, Barbara Fine. Patterns for a Purpose: A Rhetorical Reader. 3rded., McGraw-Hill, 2003. Devillez, Randy. Step by Step College Writing. Kendall/Hunt, 1996. McKellen, Ian, actor as Amos Starkadder in “Cold Comfort Farm.” BBC Films, 1995. Reid, Stephen. The Prentice Hall Guide for …