This document provides guidance on writing a definition essay. It explains that definitions can mean different things to different people and discusses strategies for an effective definition essay, including focusing on purpose and audience, formulating an effective definition through examples, compare and contrast, classification, analysis, or narration, and writing an introduction that explains the word's origin or provides a stipulative definition. It also provides tips for revising such as ensuring a clear definition and consistent tone.

1. DEFINITION ESSAY
What is definition?
Words must have accepted
definitions for effective
communication, but it’s not really
that simple because definitions
may mean different things to
different people. For
example, when does life begin?

2.  Extended definition explores a
subject, allowing the writer to apply personal
application to a commonly accepted meaning.
 Topics like gun control, right to privacy, junk
food, or anxiety may have a variety of
definitions.
 You may define a concept (energy), an object
(the microchip), a type of person (a
hypocrite), a place (the desert), a phenomenon
(the rise in volunteerism), a controversial issue
(euthanasia).

3. Strategies
 Stay focused on the purpose, audience, and
tone.
 Formulate an effective definition
 Definition by negation
 Clarify the meaning, not obscure it
 Avoid circular meanings

4.  Develop the extended definition
 Examples
 Compare and contrast
 Classify
 Process- analysis
 Narration
 Examples

5.  Write an effective introduction
 Explain the origin of the word
 Definition by negation
 Stipulative definition
 Puts special restrictions on a term
 “Strictly defined, a mall refers to a one or two story
enclosed building containing a variety of retail shops and
at least two large anchor stores. Highway strip shopping
centers cannot be considered true malls.”

6. Revising and proofing your
paper
 Is your term clearly defined?
 Have you avoided circular meanings?
 Which paragraphs do you need to improve
 Have you checked
grammar, punctuation, spelling?
 Is your tone consistent with your purpose and
audience?
 Have you removed phrased like “is when” and
“according to the dictionary”?