DEFINITION OF TERMS
To define a term is to explain its meaning
Term to be defined
Defining term
1
To increase one’s vocabulary
2
To minimize/eliminate
ambiguity or vagueness
3
To set a theoretical framework
4
To influence attitudes
TYPES OF DEFINITIONS
NAME Expresses what the name
means, not what the thing is
Etymological
Synonymous
Definition by description
Definition by example
Definition by illustration
Ostensive definition
Etymological
The definition is derived from the meaning of
the original word or words from which the
Ex
definiendum is derived
Gives the origin of the word
Ex. Philosophy from Philein and sophia
Synonymous
Gives the same connotation of the term
!
Connotation – refers to the group of
characteristics essential to the term
Ex. Pretty- Beautiful
Definition by description
Provides a definition as to its physical
appearance
EXAMPLE:
tree: a living thing having roots, a
single trunk, some branches, and
leaves
Definition by example
Definition that gives an example of a
definition for a more concrete understanding
of the term to be defined
EXAMPLE:
dog: shih tzu, labrador
coffee: Nescafe, Starbucks frappuccino
Definition by illustration
Gives a clear picture of the definiendum
through the use of illustration in order to
picture the meaning of the term
EXAMPLE:
Mathematical symbols +, -, x
Ostensive definition
Definition by simple identification
(Latin) ostendere - “to point”, “to show”
Expresses what the thing is
Essential
Constructed by a
genus and specific
difference
Man is a rational
animal.
Triangle is a
polygon with three
sides.
Non-essential
Definition by
description
Definition by
cause
Proper set of
characteristics,
set of formal
features, the
properties, and
origin of the
object.
Final cause
Efficient cause
Material cause
Formal cause
Genetic cause
Final Cause
Used for statement of aims and for manmade articles especially.
What is its purpose?
Ex. A thermometer is an instrument used to
measure body temperature
Efficient Cause
Kind in which the description of activities
point to the cause of these activities.
What is its origin?
Ex. Leukemia is a disease caused by
abnormal increase in the leukocytes in the
tissue and often in the blood.
Material Cause
Refers to the stuff out of which something
else is created.
What is it made of?
Ex. That candy is made from cactus.
Genetic Cause
That which gives the procedure or operation
out of which a thing results.
How is it made?
Ex. This is how to bake a cake. (explain how)
Formal Cause
This is that which makes a thing what it is.
What is its form or appearance?
Ex. The ice sculpture is in the form of a
swan.
RULES OF A GOOD DEFINITION
1 CLARITY
A definition should avoid ambiguity and
vagueness.
Must not be obscure
Must not be figurative
Happiness is a way station between too
little and too much.
2 ADEQUACY
Must be specific
Not too broad
A square is a four-sided polygon.
Not too narrow
A woman is a married mother.
3 POSITIVE
Must not be negative
Beautiful is not ugly.
4 BRIEF
Must not be circular
A cookbook is a book for cooking.
A painter is a person who paints.
DEFINITION OF TERMS