1. The document provides guidance on how to write expanded definitions of words by going beyond simple dictionary definitions and using techniques like description, examples, history, and comparing to familiar concepts. 2. Some techniques for expanded definitions include discussing etymology, historical context, how it works, comparisons, and examples. Questions are also provided to help frame expanded definitions. 3. A learning task asks students to match terms like "happiness" and "friendship" to partial expanded definitions and identify whether statements about expanded definitions are true or false.

1. ENGLISH 10
Name of Learner: ______________________________ Grade Level: _______
Section: ______________________________________ Date: ______________
EXPANDED DEFINITION OF WORDS
(LECTURE NO. 4)
I. Background Information for Learners
Expanded definition goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition, offering an expanded analysis and
illustration of a concept that might be abstract, debatable, controversial, unfamiliar, or frequently
misunderstood. Giving an expanded definition is 1 distinguishing the characteristics of a certain word, 2
providing extra facts or information about it, 3giving examples, and 4 saying what cannot be included to
describe it.
Read the paragraph below. Observe how a definition is developed by taking note of the numbered
statements.
II.Learning Competency with Code
o Give definitions of basic technical terms in research
o Distinguish technical terms used in research; and
o Value the importance of technical terms in research
A formal definition consists of
three parts: the term being defined, the
class it belongs to, and its distinguishing
characteristics. An informal definition
explains an unfamiliar term using
synonyms or antonyms introduced by or,
in other words, or like. Take note of how
the term sense of humor was defined.
Since expanding basic formal
definitions means explaining the
differentiating characteristics thoroughly,
the following questions may serve as
framework:
− How does it work?
− What are its parts?
− What does it do?
− Can it be compared to anything familiar?
− How is it used?
− What is its origin and background?
The techniques/approaches to making expanded definitions listed below may be of great help in
answering the aforementioned questions. Be aware, however, that the technique/s to be used will depend on
what is appropriate for the term you are trying to define or explain.
TECHNIQUES HOW TO DO IT EXAMPLES
Etymology sharing a word’s origin Arbitration from the Latin word
arbitrary meaning "to judge”
Historical References or
Background
if relevant, discussing the history
of the term/ its use/controversies
associated with it
Discuss how the use of arbitration
as thirdparty mediation dates from
the 1630s and how the practice
came about
Cause and Effect discussing how the situation came
about and what effects it may have
In the case of “arbitration,” cause
and effect may be the same as the
history.
Description listing and defining the component
parts; identifying smaller, more
familiar pieces of an idea to the
definition of the bigger concept;
using a word that creates a picture
in the reader’s mind so that the
reader might relate through
memory of sound, sight, touch,
hearing, or smell
Arbitration is conducted by a
trained arbiter who sets down the
rules that the parties must abide
by...
Principles of Operation discussing how topic in question
functions, including any special
materials or conditions required
From AbronADR Services: "Send
the other party notice of your
intent to pursue arbitration. The
Claimant (person initiating the
case) sends the Respondent a
Demand Letter. This letter states
the desire to submit the dispute to
arbitration either by means of the
contracts arbitration clause or by
mutual consent...

2. Classification showing how the topic fits into a
larger category
Arbitration is one of the
alternatives to going into a formal
court to settle disputes.
Contrast/ Negation defining a term by explaining what
the concept is not; showing how
the topic differs from others in the
same class
In an arbitration proceeding, no
lawyers are present.
Comparison showing how the topic is similar to
others in class
As with lawsuits or other court
proceedings, the decision in an
arbitration proceeding is legally
binding on the parties.
Analogy explaining by comparing two
dissimilar topics, where the second
is familiar to the audience
An arbiter is like a referee–he or
she listens to both sides and
makes a decision as to who is at
fault, without the intervention of
outside parties.
Examples or Anecdotes telling a story or example that
illustrates the term
Arbitration was recently used to
settle the dispute between the
labor union and management.
Illustrations providing a picture or image that is
used to clarify a text
III.Learning Tasks
Learning Task 4.1: Directions: Match the term/ word in Column A to its possible expanded definition in
Column B. Write the letter of your answer on the blank before each number.
COLUMN A
_____1. Alzheimer’s Disease
_____2. happiness
_____3. friendship
_____4. computer memory
_____5. speed
COLUMN B
A. What makes people happy? For us mortals, a few
extra coins in the pocket, a new friend, an excellent
dish, a good book may bring pleasure. Others
pursue happiness through wealth, power, or fame.
B. Affected individuals are, at first, forgetful. As the
memory disorder gradually worsens, the
Individuals, although able to recall occurrences in
the distant past, are unable to remember recent
events.
C. It is one of three basic components of a computer
which stores information for future use--- both the
data that will be operated on as well as the programs
that direct the operations to be performed.
D. This moves the vehicle from a stationary to a slow
speed of about less than ten kilometers per hour
(kph). E. This is, if either one of two friends is
involved in difficulty, such as problems with failing
courses at school, or even problems of a much more
serious nature; the other friend will provide help,
encouragement, concern, and perhaps even direct
intervention.
Learning Task 4.2: Directions: Decide whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. Write your answer before
each number.
__________1. Expanded definition of word goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition.
__________2. You could illustrate the concept of a word with anecdotes from your personal life, or examples from
the news or current events, or write an opinion piece.
__________3. The structure of expanded definition of word consists of formal sentence definition from the
dictionary followed by the appropriate technique/s that will help you explain further the term to the readers.
__________4. Providing etymology means explaining by comparing two dissimilar topics, where the second is
familiar to the audience.
__________5. ’A whale is not a fish’. Is an example of a technique called negation.
Prepared by:
Hannalyn G. Manzanares