How to write a definition paper

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person typing a definition paper

When asked to write a definition essay, your instructor is usually looking for an extended definition. An extended definition includes the usual understanding of a word. It will go beyond the simple dictionary meaning. An extended definition can be as short as a phrase or sentence, or it could run to several pages. This expansion may build on a dictionary definition, but it adds your own insights and interpretation of the word. Be sure you understand the purpose of the assignment, as this will guide the direction you take with your definition.

Your assignment may ask you to define one of the following items:

  • Word
  • Term
  • Phrase
  • Concept

These words are often used interchangeably. Follow the steps below and you’ll learn how to write a definition essay.

How to choose your topic

To paraphrase Goldilocks: “This topic is toooo broad. This topic is toooo narrow. This topic is just right.” If you choose a word with the right scope, you’ll be off to a good start. From the extreme range of “animal kingdom” to “horse’s hoof” your topic must fit comfortably in the middle—“palomino” for example.

Unless instructed otherwise, choose a term with which you are familiar. Adding your personal understanding of a subject will add depth to your essay. Sometimes a definition essay is assigned to test your understanding of an important concept. In other scenarios, you may be asked to clarify the meaning of a word for your classmates. Or you may need to explain something in a way that a child could understand.

Writing about abstract words usually results in a more interesting essay. But if you are creative and have an active imagination, you can develop a fascinating paper on something concrete—anything that can be perceived with the senses. House, air, laptop, and baby are concrete. Words such as patriotism, loyalty, and happiness are abstract. You have more leeway to depart from the dictionary with abstractions.

Planning

You can choose to approach from any number of angles.

  • What it is
  • What it isn’t
  • Contrasting terms (or antonyms)
  • Synonyms or words with similar meanings
  • Categorize or classify
  • Concrete or abstract
  • Analysis – compare/contrast (special characteristics)
  • Function – how it works; what it does
  • Structure – how it’s organized or put together
  • Connotation, denotation

Once you decide how to approach your subject, you will need to develop a thesis statement. This will be a simple sentence giving the term and its basic definition. You may want to include enough to show the main thrust of your essay: Friendship is a relationship that can enrich, fulfill, and expand your life experiences.

Using the dictionary

If you are allowed (or required) to use a dictionary, you need to be careful of two things. One, that you don’t rely too much on the dictionary definition, and two, that when you reference the dictionary it flows smoothly.

For example, you might choose the most common definition given in a generic dictionary. Make it clear that you have referred to a dictionary. It is not usually necessary to cite the source. Avoid this very awkward construction: “According to Webster’s dictionary . . .” (But if you must give the name of the dictionary, underline or italicize its name.)

Try this phrasing:

Most dictionaries define “base jumping” as a sport that involves parachuting from a stationary object, but in order to really appreciate the sport you must go beyond this basic definition.

If you are asked to cite a dictionary or other reference work, remember to use the entry word, “base jumping” for example, instead of the name of the dictionary. Complete publication information is generally given at the end of the essay in a Works Cited or References list.

The dictionary definition explains the denotation of the word—its actual meaning. You will, in all probability, develop your essay around its connotation. This is the meaning that society has given it. Much can be conveyed by the specific word chosen in any given situation. “Conservative” conveys a much different mental picture from “right-wing extremist.”

Background

If you choose a word that may be unfamiliar to your readers—and you should, or there’s not much point in writing about it—give some background. Don’t go overboard on this aspect. Include enough to help your reader get his bearings. Do this early in the paper.

Illustrating your point

Showing, rather than telling, about your subject matter makes the essay more interesting. Use anecdotes, facts, and examples to help your reader form a mental picture of the concept.

Make it personal

You should have already done this with the anecdotes, facts, and examples you chose to include. Your own experience with base jumping or owning a palomino add much more to your essay than quoting straight facts. If you have to rely solely on outside sources, you may not be familiar enough with your topic.

End with flair

Try not to trail off at the end. Summarize the main points you made or draw an unexpected conclusion. Return to the attention-getting introduction to form a frame for your writing. The reader should feel that she has gained a better understanding of the term defined.

Writing a definition can be to inform, persuade, or entertain. However you approach it, if you learn how to write a definition essay you will be able to use the techniques in many other kinds of writing.