Definition Assignment

Definition Assignment: 1,000 Words (about four pages)

“What do you mean by that?” In some cases, our failure to comprehend just one particular term may lead to total misunderstanding. If you ask your grandparents for some “dead presidents” because you’re going shopping, will they know what you mean? Ten years ago, if you would’ve said you wanted to “text” someone, it would’ve meant nothing. Similarly, people from the same generations, who watched the same TV shows growing up (“aaayyy, Nanu Nanu”), and knew the same news stories, and they often have a shared vocabulary that other generations may not. In other words, a clear understanding of terms or ideas is crucial to meaningful communication. Families sometimes use common words to mean uncommon things; outsiders may not understand what these words mean.

When you write any essay, you will always have to define your terms. Even when you describe your boyfriend/girlfriend, if you say she’s hot or he’s cute, you should define exactly what you mean by those words. What does funny mean? Silly? Scary? Those words mean completely different things to different people.

In courts of law, many cases are dismissed because there was a misinterpretation or a misrepresentation of terms. Terminology can make or break your writing so be sure to always define any terms that you use that may have different interpretations.

Sometimes, a dictionary definition or a one- or two-sentence explanation is all that is required (courage is “grace under pressure” (Hemingway)). Sometimes a brief, humorous definition is sufficient. Robin Williams once defines cocaine as “God’s way of saying you’re making too much money.” Think of bumper sticker definitions (“Death is Nature’s way of telling you to slow down.”).

Other times, you will find it necessary to provide an extended definition. The articles you read on subjects like assisted suicide or mercy killing define “life’ in a variety of ways. Other recent studies have grappled with definitions of free speech, animal rights, pornography, and terrorism.

Your definition essay should define something of your own choosing. Choosing something intangible rather than a tangible physical object may be easier for you. For example, some suitable topics are emotions (jealousy, anger), beliefs, concepts, ideas, or ideals (accountability, freedom); a habit, practice, or type of behavior (orderliness, consistency, determination, sloppiness, immaturity, stubbornness, etc.); and in general, anything having to do with the way people tend to feel, act, or think.

Or, your essay can define a common term that most people never think about; be sure to define your term in a unique way. Some ideas for this definition are nature, wilderness, home, pets, etc. Be sure not to choose over-used topics such as defining what love is, or what a best friend is, or what Christmas is. If you must use a commonplace topic, be sure to do some inventive thinking. If you say “she’s always there for me,” you are opening up a topic for a whole new essay. Where is “there?” You could write an entire paper titled, “She’s Always There For Me.”

The broad freedom of topics can count for or against you. Be creative. I’ve gotten serious essays (date rape), fun essays (popcorn), informative essays (Halo) (weanis), sad essays (mourning), funny essays (spandex), math terms, science terms, car terms, etc.

Sometimes we need to define terms as clearly and objectively as possible. Other times, we may wish to persuade and inform our readers. People’s interpretations of words, especially abstract or controversial terms, can, and do, differ greatly depending on their points of view. One person’s protest march can be another’s street riot. Decide on your purpose. Think of the term “union.” For some, it means marriage, for others, gay marriage, for others, workers’ rights, for still others, a place for college students to hang out, for still others it has connotations of the civil war.


Give your readers a reason to keep reading:

A great introduction is to explain the previous use, misuse, or misunderstanding of the term; then, present your new or better definition of the concept.

Know your purpose:


Keep your audience in mind:

Because you are trying to present a new or improved definition, you must strive for clarity.

Describe parts or characteristics, offer examples, compare to or contrast with similar terms, explain a process, state some synonyms, tell the reader what the term doesn’t mean, present the history of or changes in the meaning, discuss causes or effects, associate it with recognizable people, places, or ideas.

Some Essay Topics:

A current slang term
Person
A term from your field of study
A slob or other undesirable type of roommate
Success or failure
A kind of music, painting, or dance
A social label (goth, punk, prep)
A term from science or technology
A rebel or conformist
A current fad or style or one from the past
A family or hometown expression
A good/bad restaurant/store/movie
Self-respect
Discrimination
A controversial idea or term
A term from a hobby or sport
A medical term or condition

The possibilities are limitless. Know your off-limits topics.

Topic Proposal for Definition:

At least 4 pages (1000 words)