Definition is an explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase. There are three main parts to a definition: the term, which is what is being defined; the class or group which the term belongs to; and the function or characteristic that makes the term unique. There are three types of definitions: formal definitions explain the essential features or nature of the term; nominal definitions simply explain the meaning; and informal definitions use familiar words to briefly explain the term. Definitions are important for communication and avoiding ambiguity, especially in technical fields.

1. Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Senior High School Department
Definition
Submitted to: Prof. Xavier Velasco
Submitted by:
Antonio, Joseph T.
Iniba, Melissa Joyce P.
STEM 11-23

2. DEFINITION

3. Definition
• is a logical technique that reveals the meaning of a term
or word. It specifies the necessary and sufficient
conditions for a thing’s being a member of a specific set,
enabling the writer to set boundaries or limits that
separate the term from any other term.
• an explanation of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.

4. Importance of Definition
• Definition is important communication skill, and one
that requires practice and concentration. Particularly in
technical fields, an inability to clearly define words,
terms, processes, and materials can result in both
expensive waste and duplication of effort.

5. Importance of Definition
• One of the biggest problems in student writing is a
tendency to discuss words that have not been
adequately defined. A good definition consists of a
formal descriptive sentence plus as many
supplemental explanatory techniques as required to
make the subject clear.

6. 3 main parts
Term, Class, and Function

7. Term
 refers to whom or what is being defined. So, it is
the explanation about somebody or something.

8. Class/Group
 is the category or general group which the term
belongs to.

9. Function/Characteristic
 is the special feature that makes the term.

10. Example
Comic books are sequential and
narrative publications consisting of
illustrations, captions, dialogue
balloons, and often focus on super-
powered heroes. Legend:
1. Term
2. Class/Group
3. Function/Characteristic

11. 3 types of definition
Formal, Nominal, and Informal Definition

12. Formal or Real Definition
 It explains the nature of the object by giving its
essential features or by simply describing the
object.
Term Class Function

13. Examples
• Water is a chemical compound consisting of
two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen.
• Charisma is a special quality which gives an
individual influence or authority over large
groups of people.

14. Nominal or Naming
Definition
 A definition that simply explains the meaning of
a term or word.
TermClass Function

15. Example
• An electronic device that manipulates
information or data is known as computer.

16. Informal Definition
 it uses familiar words or phrases to explain the
word or term briefly.

17. Example
• Matter is anything that has mass and takes up
space. It is found in three chemical forms:
elements, compounds and mixtures.

18. Denotative
refers to its literal
meaning - the definition
you find in the
dictionary
Connotative
refers to the
associations, images,
and feelings that a word
calls to mind in addition
to its dictionary
meaning.
2 categories of Definition

19. Examples
• Olivia was born deaf and dumb.
lacking the power of speech (Denotative)
• When the police questioned Carter, he acted
dumb.
condition of being stupid (Connotative)

20. When to use
Definition?

21. • When your writing contains a term that may be
key to audience understanding and that term
could likely be unfamiliar to them.
• When a commonly used word or phrase has
layers of subjectivity or evaluation in the way you
choose to define it.
• When the etymology (origin and history) of a
common word might prove interesting or will help
expand upon a point.

22. Exercises:
Determine the Term, Class, and Function of each sentences.

23. 1. Trivia is information that is unimportant,
inconsequential or inessential.
2. A person who pretends to have knowledge or
skill she/he does not possess is known as
Charlatan.
3. Astronomy is a branch of scientific study
primarily concerned with celestial objects inside
inside and outside of the earth's atmosphere.

24. Answer the following:
1. What is Definition?
2. What are the 3 main parts of definition?
3. Give the correct order of: Formal and Nominal
definition
4. What is Informal definition?
5. What are the categories of definition?

25. Identification
It uses familiar words or phrases.
It refers to its literal meaning.
an explanation of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.
refers to whom or what is being defined.
A definition that simply explains the meaning of a term
or word.

26. References
http://studylib.net/doc/18192840/formal-definitions
https://www.slideshare.net/inglesuni2016/definition-69107438
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~nmswishe/402_formal_definition.pdf
http://english.tutorvista.com/vocabulary/connotation-and-
denotation.html
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/622/01/