1. The Definition Essay Now What Do You Mean By That?

2. The Qualities of Definition The definition of “Definition” is “a statement expressing the essential nature of something” (Merriam – Webster Online). – Actually that is the second definition, the first being “an act of determining; specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma” (Merriam – Webster Online). Thus the purpose of a Definition Theme is to establish a true understanding of a terms with which may contain “disputed abstractions” or more specific meaning to a smaller group (McQuen-Metherell and Winkler 370).

3. The act of stating a precise meaning or significance. A close synonym for “description.” The purpose of the Definition theme is clear, factual, understanding without the interprosition of the author’s feelings or prejudices. The writer is free either to arrive at a universal consensus of the definition of a term or choose any number of special usages of a term by limited groups.

4. The Process of Definition Think of some term the understanding of which you think is important but lacking. Decide whether to establish a common or specific understanding of the word or phrase. Move to the facts either through interviews or library research.

5. Begin the definition by saying what the term means. – This is best done by using a reference which can be trusted – Merriam Webster Merriam Webster – O E D: Oxford English Dictionary O E D: Oxford English Dictionary – Gender Dictionary Gender Dictionary The above will also help you expand your definition, if necessary, by etymological analysis of the term. Expand your definition with examples Attempt to differentiate the word from others like it, even synonyms You may need to combine techniques.