Definition
Kirk Fontenot
Student Learning Outcomes
- Compose a clear, succinct definition of a nuanced term or concept.
- Illustrate a core definition by providing examples that represent the range of possible meanings of the term or concept.
- Understand and apply the concepts of denotation and connotation to increase clarity of a term or concept’s definition.
What Is Definition?
Definition is the rhetorical mode that we use when our thesis includes a term that we define for our audience. This type of essay is not just a dictionary entry or an encyclopedia article. A definition essay includes a point that we are making about the term; in other words, it has a point of view.
It is important to keep our audience in mind as we compose the definition essay. Our essay must leave the reader with a clear understanding of the term and should not be filled with technical language or jargon. When selecting evidence for the essay, we should ask ourselves, “Is this going to help my reader understand what this term means?” We’ll only include the evidence if the answer is definitely yes.
Definition
We use definition in our writing and conversations all the time! Here are some examples:
Joe is too bossy.
The word bossy is a subjective term, meaning that different people may have different ideas of what it means to be bossy. In order to make your point, define bossy and provide examples of his bossy attitude (poor listening skills, shouting at people, making decisions without asking a committee—these are what define “bossy” in our argument).
Low-carb diets are dangerous.
While most people have heard the term low-carb, many may not actually know what it means. Define what constitutes “low-carb,” and define what you mean by “dangerous.” Cite studies showing harmful effects or how substances affect the body.
Definition essays may also incorporate other rhetorical modes.
- In this chapter, we will connect definition with illustration/example, which means to use specific examples as supporting evidence for your point. For instance, when writing about the dangers of low-carb diets, you might offer examples of fad diets that are low-carb.
- Definition essays may also use descriptive narrative writing. What if, when making the point that low-carb diets are dangerous, you included the personal experience of a dieter who experienced negative health consequences?
- Definition essays may also incorporate compare and contrast. In order to clarify what diets are actually low-carb, we could compare a low-carb diet such as the Paleo Diet to a diet that is not low-carb like intermittent fasting.
Denotation and Connotation
When writing a definition essay, it’s important to know that there are two elements to any good definition: denotation and connotation.
- Denotation: offering a literal and explicit definition of a word (to denote means “to indicate”)
- Connotation: positive or negative associations that make up an extended definition of a word
Examples of denotation and conno