DEFINITION

• meaning of word.
• a brief precise statement of what a
word or expression means.
Basic Guidelines to follow when writing a
definition
1. Just the (dictionary) facts
• A definition should contain the information
about the word and what the word refers to.
• Do not include a usage note in a definition.
• Get to the point. (Clarity, brevity, and
conciseness are better when writing
definitions.)
2. Avoid complicated terms
• Avoid terms that are more
complicated or more technical than the
term being defined.
• The purpose of a definition is to clarify
meaning.
3. Avoid specific terms
• Use conventional English words in
explanations whenever possible.
• Stay away from jargon. (language that is
used by a group, profession, or culture,
especially when the words and phrases are
not understood or used by other people).
4. Avoid circularity
• Use different terms (it is not good
to define a word with that same word
in the definition).
5. Make it simple
• Write the simple grammatical structures rather
than complex ones.
• Place short explanations near the start of the
definition.