MLA Format APA Format ASA Format IEEE Format Chicago Style Format. Usually, before even writing an essay, there is a reason how to write a definition essay examples specific word is picked, and part of the reason has to do with personal experience—in this case, falling in love. How to write a definition essay in 5 steps now you've already learned what is a definition essay, time to discover how to write a definition essay, which steps you should follow. If the router is connected to a modem and works with an Internet service provider ISPyour device can now access the Internet and other devices on the network. Tell your reader what the term stands for in the introduction.
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Last Updated: August 2, Approved. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has been viewedtimes. Learn more A definition essay requires you to write your own definition of a word. The definition must be thorough and well supported by research and evidence. You may have to write a definition essay for a class or try it as a writing challenge to help improve your English skills. Start by selecting and defining the word.
Then, create a draft that presents a detailed definition using references and sources. Polish the essay when you are done so it flows well and does not contain any grammatical errors. To write a definition essay, choose a word that describes a concept or idea. Look up the dictionary definition, the origin of the word, and any scholarly essays or articles that discuss the word in detail, how to write a definition essay examples, then use this information to create your own definition, how to write a definition essay examples. When you write your paper, introduce the term and the standard dictionary definition of the word, followed by a thesis stating your own definition. Use the body of the paper to include historical information and explain what the word means to you, then conclude by restating your thesis.
For tips on picking your word, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No. How to write a definition essay examples in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. wikiHow Account. No account yet? Create an account. Community Dashboard Write an Article Request a New Article More Ideas Edit this Article. Courses New Tech Help Pro New Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In. Home Random Browse Articles Courses New About wikiHow Easy Ways to Help How to write a definition essay examples Questions Fix Spelling Quiz App More Things to Try We use cookies to make wikiHow great.
By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Categories Education and Communications College University and Postgraduate Academic Writing Essays How to Write a Definition Essay. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Related Articles, how to write a definition essay examples. Article Summary. Co-authored by wikiHow Staff Last Updated: August 2, Approved. Part 1. Choose a concept or idea. Avoid concrete objects or things. You may not be able to say much about concrete objects or write about them in a deep or insightful way.
Select a word you are familiar with. Go for a word that you recognize or understand on a basic level. This will make writing the definition a bit easier. Go for a word that can have a variety of meanings. Make sure the word you choose is multidimensional and can mean a lot of different things to different people. This will give you a lot of room to include your personal understanding of the word, as well as the interpretations of others. Part 2. Look up the word in the dictionary. Start by familiarizing yourself with the official definition of the word.
Use a dictionary to look up the word. Notice the structure of the definition, which will start with the term. It will then note the class of the term, which is where it belongs among other objects or concepts. Finally, it may note any synonyms, which are words that mean the same thing how to write a definition essay examples are similar to the word. Research the origin of the word in encyclopedias. Find out where the word came from by looking it up online or in print encyclopedias. Search for the word in encyclopedias that focus on certain ideas how to write a definition essay examples concepts, such as a philosophy encyclopedia or a law encyclopedia. Read up on any theories or ideas that connect to the word. You may then find information on Western theories of justice and how it became an important concept in Western history and the legal system.
Search online for articles, websites, and videos that discuss the word. You can also do a wide search for any scholarly or academic articles that discuss the word in detail. Look for academic websites that address the word, including articles, blog posts, or essays about the word. You can also look for educational videos that have been made about the word on YouTube and other video websites. Interview peers, family, and friends about the word. Get a personal perspective on the word by talking to your family and friends about what they think about the word. Interview peers in your class or at work about what comes to mind when they hear or think about the word. Create your own definition of the word. Use your research and your own experiences to write the definition.
You may focus on how the word works in society or the world at large. You can also compare it to other similar terms. Format the definition by stating the word, followed by a one-sentence definition. Part 3. Use five sections for the essay. A typical definition essay will have five sections: an introduction, three body sections, and a conclusion. Ask your instructor if they require you to have one paragraph per section or if they are okay with you having as many paragraphs as you need per section. Your thesis statement should appear in the introduction and conclusion section of your essay, how to write a definition essay examples.
Introduce the term and the standard definition. Begin the essay by telling the reader the term you are defining. Then, provide the standard definition, using the dictionary and encyclopedias as references. Include a thesis statement with your own definition. Include this in the first section of the essay. Your thesis statement should describe your version of the what the term means. Mix in your personal experiences and your other research to create the definition. Keep the thesis statement one sentence long and use the active voice. Discuss the history and origin of the word. In the second section of the essay, talk about where the word originated. Note the root of the word and how it came into use. Use your research, particularly your notes from encyclopedias and academic articles, as evidence.
It is commonly used concept in politics, in the legal system, and in philosophy. Analyze the dictionary definition of the word. In the third section, do a deep analysis of the dictionary definition of the term. Pull the definition apart and look at each word in the definition. Interpret and rephrase the definition so you can explore its deeper meanings. Compare and contrast the term with other terms. Compare the word to other words that are similar in meaning. Discuss how the word is similar and how it is different. Discuss your personal definition.
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Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when writing a definition essay. A simple word that refers to a concrete word will not give you much to write about, but a complex word that refers to an abstract concept provides more material to explore. Aside from being complex, the word should also refer to something that can mean different things to different people. Dictionary definitions can only tell you so much. Since you need to elaborate on the word you choose to define, you will need to have your own base of knowledge or experience with the concept you choose. While you will not be relying completely on the dictionary definition for your essay, familiarizing yourself with the official definition will allow you to compare your own understanding of the concept with the simplest, most academic explanation of it.
Look up your chosen word in the Oxford English Dictionary or in another etymology dictionary. Specify what classes and parts of speech a word belongs to according to a standard dictionary definition. An unfamiliar or uncommon concept can be explained using concepts that are more accessible to the average person. Explain any physical characteristics or traditional thoughts used to describe your term of choice. People often relate to stories and vivid images, so using a fitting story or image that relates to the term can be used in clarifying an abstract, formless concept. If a term is often misused or misunderstood, mentioning what it is not is an effective way to bring the concept into focus.
This is when your research about the etymology of a word will come in handy. Explain where the term originated and how it came to mean what it currently means. You need to clearly state what your word is along with its traditional or dictionary definition in your introductory paragraph. If the term you define plays a part in your own life and experiences, your final concluding remarks are a good place to briefly mention the role it plays. Skip to main content. Module 3: Definition Essay. Search for:. How to Write a Definition Essay A definition essay can be deceivingly difficult to write.
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Word 1: Choose an abstract word with a complex meaning. Typically, nouns that refer to a person, place, or thing are too simple for a definition essay. Nouns that refer to an idea work better, however, as do most adjectives. A definition essay is somewhat subjective by nature since it requires you to analyze and define a word from your own perspective. If the answer you come up with after analyzing a word is the same answer anyone else would come up with, your essay may appear to lack depth. You can introduce yourself to the word for your essay, but without previous understanding of the concept, you will not know if the definition you describe is truly fitting.
As the name suggests, it is about defining a word or a phrase or what a term stands for. It is about analyzing the term in detail through its different implications and meanings. Some terms have literal meanings as pencil, chair, or table. They have a widely known and recognized meaning. Whereas, some are abstract terms i. success, love, and truth. These terms have contextual meanings that could be different for different people, communities, and can have multiple implications and perspectives. A definition essay is written mostly to define and describe such words with abstract meanings.
Search for a distinct term for your essay. The best way to do it is to work with a controversial concept or term. Since you analyze the essay from a personal perspective, the essay becomes subjective. The ideas that you present in the essay will be yours, supported by the researched facts and claims. Once you have chosen the word, look for its dictionary definition. A dictionary definition is the main definition of a word, according to the academic standard. The etymology of the word is instrumental for a definition essay.
The historic background of the word can give you insights into its birth, evolution, and transformation into the present form. The definition essay should provide a detailed explanation of a term, concept, or word. The description should be supported by evidence and thoroughly researched. When choosing a term or topic for your essay, be sure of its meaning and usage. Creativity is good and highly encouraged, but implying opposite or wrong meanings is an entirely different thing. Find and add different and unique meanings but make sure that they are correct.
Add examples to highlight your point of view. An essay written on the word house will be way too simple. It is likely to sound dull and boring. Play around with this word. Since a home is a concept, there are many elements that you can highlight. As with other kinds of essays, a definition essay outline is necessary for the successful planning of the essay.. The reader is looking for your personal beliefs regarding the chosen word, or idea. They know the dictionary's meaning and are not looking to have the same meanings again. Define the term in a new and exciting way. Make sure that you have an in-depth understanding of the topic before presenting your views.
The conclusion is a summary of the overall essay, where you restate the thesis and highlight the main points. After writing the rough draft, revise and edit the essay. Read your essay and check if you have included any irrelevant or common information that people are already familiar with. Many writers just add the dictionary meaning and do not research or study beyond it. But, only the dictionary definition is not sufficient for a complete definition essay. If the readers are looking for only a dictionary meaning, they could get it from the dictionary.
The actual motive of a definition essay is to fully explain the term according to your personal experience and understanding. Check out the sample definition essays given below. They will help you write your definition essay. In writing a definition essay, choosing and understanding the term is the key. The chosen word must give you room to write sufficiently. Some students choose excessively simple, or complex words, thinking that it would be easy for them to explain them. Some interesting ideas and great definition essay topics are:. Overly simple or complex words will not take you anywhere.
The definition essay requires writing that explains and reveals the term that is otherwise unknown to people. Or people have a different perspective on something. For the term "love" or "platonic love" everyone has their own meaning. So it can qualify as a definition essay topic. So, be very careful while selecting a topic for your definition essay. Writing an extended definition essay is quite an enlightening experience.
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