Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Senior High School Department

DefinitionSubmitted to: Prof. Xavier Velasco

Submitted by: Antonio, Joseph T.

Iniba, Melissa Joyce P.STEM 11-23

DEFINITION

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.

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.

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.  

3 main parts

Term, Class, and Function

Term

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

Class/Group

is the category or general group which the term belongs to.

Function/Characteristic

is the special feature that makes the term.

Example

Comic books are sequential and narrative publications consisting of illustrations, captions, dialogue balloons, and often focus on super-powered heroes.

Legend:1. Term2. Class/Group3. Function/Characteristic

3 types of definition

Formal, Nominal, and Informal Definition

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

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.

Nominal or Naming Definition

A definition that simply explains the meaning of a term or word.

TermClass Function

Example

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

Informal Definition

it uses familiar words or phrases to explain the word or term briefly.

Example

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

Denotative refers to its

literal meaning - the definition you find in the dictionary

Connotativerefers to the

associations, images, and feelings that a word calls to mind in addition to its dictionary meaning.

2 categories of Definition

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)

When to use

Definition?

• 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.

Exercises:

Determine the Term, Class, and Function of each sentences.

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 and outside of the earth's atmosphere.

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 definition4. What is Informal definition?5. What are the categories of definition?

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.

References

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