When a commonly used word or phrase has layers of subjectivity or evaluation in the way you choose to define it."Stellar Wobble is a measurable variation of speed wherein a star's velocity is shifted by the gravitational pull of a foreign body." When your writing contains a term that may be key to audience understanding and that term could likely be unfamiliar to them.For this reason, it is important to know when and why you should include definitions in your writing. Most readers will already be quite familiar with the concepts of water, comic books, and astronomy. Astronomy ( term) is a branch of scientific study ( class) primarily concerned with celestial objects inside and outside of the earth's atmosphere ( differentiating characteristics).Īlthough these examples should illustrate the manner in which the three parts work together, they are not the most realistic cases.Comic books ( term) are sequential and narrative publications ( class) consisting of illustrations, captions, dialogue balloons, and often focus on super-powered heroes ( differentiating characteristics).Water ( term) is a liquid ( class) made up of molecules of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 2 to 1 ( differentiating characteristics).The differentiating characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class.The class of object or concept to which the term belongs.The term (word or phrase) to be defined.A formal definition consists of three parts: The primary reason to include definitions in your writing is to avoid misunderstanding with your audience. This handout provides suggestions and examples for writing definitions.Ī formal definition is based upon a concise, logical pattern that includes as much information as it can within a minimum amount of space. Suggested Resources Style Guide Overview MLA Guide APA Guide Chicago Guide OWL Exercises Writing Definitions Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions for Exploratory Papers.Writing a Research Paper: Generating Questions & Topics Workshop.Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions for an Argument Paper.Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students.
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