definitional essay examples

How can you define a term beyond a few words? Learn the structure of a definition essay and read two examples of essays about concrete and abstract concepts.

An explanatory definition essay is a type of expository essay. It aims to explain a complex term or concept in a way that is easy to understand for the reader. The writer breaks down the term or concept into simpler parts and provides examples and analogies to help readers understand it better.

Here's what you need to include: Start with something attention-grabbing, like a thought-provoking question or an interesting fact. Provide a brief overview of the topic and why it's important to define it. Clearly state the term you're defining and your interpretation of it. Definition Essay Body Paragraphs.

A definition essay should include three main points: a) The standard dictionary definition to provide a foundational understanding. b) An analysis of the term's various facets, including its history, cultural connotations, and related concepts. c) Personal insights, stories, or experiences that offer a unique perspective on the term.

The definition essay opens with a general discussion of the term to be defined. You then state as your thesis your definition of the term. ... See Chapter 15 "Readings: Examples of Essays" to read a sample definition essay. Exercise 3. Create a full definition essay from one of the items you already defined in Note 10.64 "Exercise 2 ...

A definition essay is a type of academic writing that requires the writer to define a particular term or concept. The term or concept can be abstract, such as love or success, or concrete, such as a computer or a tree.The writer's goal in a definition essay is to provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation of terminology, using examples, analysis, and personal experiences.

Part 2 of 3: Potential Elements of an Effective Definition. 1: Write an analysis.[4] Separate a word into various parts. Analyze and define each part in its own paragraph. You can separate "return" into "re-" and "turn.". The word "friendship" can be separated into "friend" and "ship.".

Body Paragraphs. Aspect 1: Start with the broader or general outlook. Definition: Provide a detailed explanation of the first aspect. Examples: Offer relevant examples, anecdotes, or scenarios to illustrate the concept. Aspect 2: Move on to a specific dimension. Definition: Delve into the details of the second aspect.

As the name suggests, a definition essay is the kind of writing that explains a word. It requires you to come up with your academic definition of a specific word. The definition can be concrete or abstract, depending on the word. For instance, you can provide an exact definition for a "table" but for the term "love," it isn't possible ...

Sample definition essay. Below is a sample definition essay for the word "love". Since many terms have several possible definitions and connotations, for a more interesting definition essay, try to choose a word that is not easily defined. Sample Essay. The word "love" is used in various contexts and can mean different things to different people.

Narrate a brief situation or conversation relevant to the topic. Give a significant quotation related to the topic. In general, a thesis presents your topic and the claim you are making about the topic. The denotation might be your starting point, and your thesis explains how your essay will go beyond the denotation.

Definition is a rhetorical style that uses various techniques to impress upon the reader the meaning of a term, idea, or concept. Definition may be used for an entire essay but is often used as a rhetorical style within an essay that may mix rhetorical styles. For example, you may need to use definition in order to fully explain a concept ...

1. Prepare for your essay by analyzing your data. Begin by reading the first interview and writing a number for each meaning the person gives. Then read the second interview and if they repeat a meaning, give it the same number you gave it in the first interview.

5. Create your own definition of the word. Use your research and your own experiences to write the definition. You may focus on how the word works in society or the world at large. You can also compare it to other similar terms. Format the definition by stating the word, followed by a one-sentence definition. [8]

Keep the definition in your thesis brief and basic. You will elaborate on it more in the body of your paper. Avoid using passive phrases involving the word "is" when defining your term. The phrases "is where" and "is when" are especially clunky. [6] Do not repeat part of the defined term in your definition.

A thesis statement is the heart of an essay. The same is the case with a definition essay in which a thesis statement plays a key role in defining the term. The introduction just gives a good hook and background information.It is the thesis statement which presents the major points of the definition. Like all thesis statements of five-paragraph essays, the thesis statement of a definition ...

Definition Essay Example for Students Given that definition essay example can be much more helpful in familiarizing readers with this type of essay, below we provide such a sample (the thesis is italicized).. Justice Justice is hugely important element for relationships between individuals and virtually for any human group, however small - obviously, this applies to society as a whole ...

For a definitional essay, you need to write an argument that a borderline or contested case fits (or does not fit) within a particular category by classifying that particular case and defining the category. ... Supply examples of how this and other situations meet your criteria. (2) Give other evidence about how your example meets your criteria ...

Definition essay examples are a useful tool for students and writers who want to understand the structure and format of a definition essay. They provide a clear demonstration of how to define a concept or idea using various strategies such as analysis, comparison, and negation. By using definition essay examples, students can gain a better ...

1: Choose an abstract word with a complex meaning.[1] A simple word that refers to a concrete word will not give you much to write about, but a complex word that refers to an abstract concept provides more material to explore. Typically, nouns that refer to a person, place, or thing are too simple for a definition essay.

The purpose of a definition essay may seem self-explanatory: the purpose of the definition essay is to simply define something. ... The remainder of the essay should explain different aspects of the term's definition. For example, if you were defining a good leader in an elementary classroom setting, you might define such a leader according ...

This essay about what makes someone a hero explores the essential qualities that define heroism beyond the stereotypical depictions of physical prowess or superhuman feats. It emphasizes empathy, courage, integrity, and action as the core characteristics that any individual can embody to be considered a hero.

Enumeration. Enumeration is employing a list to define. Nontraditional Student: A person who did not complete college directly out of high school. A person who took an alternative path to college. A person who may be older than traditional students (17-23 years old) A person who brings various life experiences to the classroom.

In this example outline for a definition essay, we will use the topic Nontraditional Students in College. Remember, a good thesis in a traditional essay always makes some kind of assertion. A good definition thesis that might work well within this topic would be: It is imperative that colleges understand who comprises the nontraditional student ...