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UMGC Effective Writing Center How to Write an Extended Definition

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Usually when you hear the word "definition" you think of a dictionary or encyclopedia. For example, a juvenile delinquent is an underage person convicted of crime or antisocial behavior. Likewise, a venture capitalist is a person who provides money for innovative projects.

Perhaps you have written a narrative essay about a personal experience in which you are called upon to classify and to analyze causes and effects. All of these patterns and more can be used in your paragraphs to clarify and extend the term you have chosen.

Example: Single Pattern

Sometimes a single pattern will be sufficient to extend the definition to achieve the effect you want for your audience. For example, let's say in an introductory sociology course, you are introducing the term "juvenile delinquent" to the class. You could use the "classify" pattern to clarify how broadly the term in used in this field:

  • Term: juvenile delinquent
  • Standard definition: an underage person who has committed a crime.
  • Pattern: Classify
  • Overall Point: To understand "juvenile delinquent" in this field, it's necessary to know the major types of delinquents.
  • The first type of delinquent is . . .
  • The second type of delinquent is . . .
  • The third type of delinquent is . . .

Example: Multi Pattern

Depending on the term, you may find that using several patterns is the best way to help shape your audience's understanding of a term. For example, let's consider the innocent sounding term "arbitration." Maybe you wish to make the point that sometimes legal terms are used to desensitize us from what is really taking place. Consider this example:

  • Term: Arbitration
  • Standard definition: legal process of resolving a dispute
  • Classify Pattern--list and define types of arbitration, including "forced arbitration"
  • Narration Pattern--The FAIR Act seeks to end the use of forced arbitration by U.S. employers
  • Cause/Effect pattern: Multiple examples of the victims of forced arbitration have pressured Congress to act through legislation

Your task in writing an extended definition is to add to the standard/notional definition in a way that will allow your audience to gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the term in a particular context. Whether you do this by adding facts, telling what a term does not include, or applying any of the many development patterns (classify, illustrate, cause/effect, compare/contrast, narration, description), matters not. Only the development of clear understanding between you and your audience should be the ultimate goal.

Video Tutorial: Writing the Extended Definition Essay

Follow along with UMGC's Effective Writing Center as they walk through the Extended Definition Essay.

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Honor Definition and Perception

Such word as honor is always associated with dignity, honesty, and generosity. Nevertheless, this word has a huge amount of notions.

Different dictionaries give different definitions to this word. The great part of reliable sources in the definition of this word, because of the broad meaning of this notion, use such method as an extended definition. The most common definition of the word honor is a complex ethic and social notion, dealing with the evaluation of such personal qualities as faith, justice, honesty, nobility, dignity. Honor may be perceived as a relative concept, determined by the specific cultural and social traditions, material causes, and personal ambitions. On the other hand, honor is treated as the inherent feeling of an individual and the integral part of his personality.

This is quite an abstract definition, which needs to be illustrated by the examples of this word usage. The word honor is used to denote high regard or respect for the person. As an example of this definition, it is possible to mention the famous artists, sportsmen, politicians, who are appreciated for their merits. For example, a famous sportsman is considered to be a man of great honor for his fans.

This word is used to emphasize the high morality of a person, to pay attention to his or her sense of justice. For example, when a person under difficult circumstances does his best and shows his adherence to the right principles, it is said that he or she conducts himself with honor. Sometimes this word is used to underline the high rank of a person, or his or her noble origin. For instance, in medieval times the honor of the feudal lord was not the valuation of his doings or behavior, but the recognition of his right to the lands he owned.

Rarely the word honor is used to underline a persons fair name. Thus, a person, who has never been noticed in deception or raw deals, is also called honorable.

Each person understands the meaning of the notion of honor in his own way. Thus, this meaning is so abstract and complicated that what means honor for one, maybe a disgust for another. It may be illustrated by the whole row of examples from the history of humanity. Let us take for example such outstanding ancient warlords as Hannibal and Scipio. Hannibal was the great Punic warlord, who inflicted destruction on Roman legions several times. However, in his final battle with Zama, he was defeated by Scipio. Scipio was considered to be the honorable hero by the Romans because he defeated their main enemy. At the same time, Carthaginians scorned him, because he gained the victory only due to treachery, and it was obvious that Scipio was far from being so genius a warlord as Hannibal was. In this example, it is possible to say that honor is rather an abstract notion.

Among a great variety of meanings, which are associated with such a word as honor , it is possible to distinguish several most common groups of notions. This word is used to emphasize respect to a person, it is used to undermine somebodys good reputation, or to accent the high moral qualities of the person. Nevertheless, every individual understands this word in his own way, associating it with his personal outlook and his world vision.

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The Definition Essay

A definition essay should include, where to start, writing process.

A definition essay is one that explains a term, either by defining what it means or by clarifying which meaning is intended when a word has several meanings. For instance, a writer might need to define slicing to someone unfamiliar with golf or the term koi to someone unfamiliar with tropical fish. If the writer calls a friend a nonconformist, he or she might ask the writer for the definition of that word. A writer may disagree with his or her peers over the meaning of the word feminism even though they share similar politics. Clearly, definitions are an important party of daily communication. Definition Essays are meant to help the reader to see beyond the basic, dictionary definition of a word, that he or she might fully grasp the term or concept discussed.

It is useful to include a brief explanation, so readers can begin to grasp the concept. This includes the term itself, the class to which the term belongs, and the distinguishing characteristics that differentiate this item from all others in its class.

  • Trypophobia is a medically recognized fear that is an aversion to the sight of irregular patterns or clusters of small holes or bumps.

This type of essay focuses on a specific term and discusses it in detail. In order to help readers better understand a term, the author may describe a philosophy behind a movement, the uses of a specific item, or the different types of a specific emotion.

  • Trypophobia is based on a deep-seated disgust that most humans have toward certain plants and medical conditions that cause patterns of holes, but these emotions have been allowed to be taken to an extreme.

The thesis of an extended-definition essay tells why the term is worth reading about. Some writers choose to separate the brief definition from their thesis, so it is important to look for both parts while reading and to be sure to include them in the paper.

Narration, description, illustration, process analysis, comparison and contrast, classification and division, cause and effect, and argumentative styles are all used to develop definition essays. To explain a term, more than one pattern of development can be used. For example, if defining a home run, an author may include his or her favorite baseball player’s best jogs around the bases in a narrative style. But if defining a style of art, a descriptive style may be more appropriate.

When the term being defined is so similar to another term that it can be confused with it, a writer may use negation to explain how that term is different from the others. This involves telling what the term is NOT in addition to what it is.

  • Trypophobia is not recognized as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. It is not believed to be a learned cultural fear.

Make sure you feel familiar with the topic or that it can be easily learned. Narrow this topic to a specific term. For example, instead of writing about the term celebrity, focus on a political or Hollywood celebrity type.

Brainstorm a list of words that describe the term, such as people or actions that may be examples of it. Try describing the object to a friend and write down the words used. Write down everything a person would need to know to understand it. Try observing a person associated with the term. Look up the definition and etymology in the dictionary. Think of situations that reveal the meaning or similar terms. Do a search for the term on the internet.

Look over the brainstormed list, and organize the ideas based on the pattern of development chosen. If using narration (refer to narration essay handout for more details), then organize the ideas in chronological order. If using characteristics, a most-to-least or least-to-most order (see the descriptive essay handout for clarification and other examples) may be best.

Describe the term as specifically as possible. If describing Dalmatians, do not simply say they are a breed of dog. Describe the colors, behaviors, history, and benefits of this breed. DO NOT include the term as part of the definition. Look up synonyms to use if a similar word is needed. Include enough distinguishing characteristics so that readers will not mistake the term for something else in its class. Do not limit the definition so much that it becomes inaccurate. Use multiple transitions, and consider including the etymology of the term.

After completing the writing phase of an essay, make sure to proofread and go over everything again. When rereading an essay, we can spot grammar errors and consider ways to improve writing. Aside from improving spelling, grammar, and punctuation, you can expand on and explain your ideas more effectively. This stage can be completed effectively by slowly reviewing your writing, looking for specific errors you may struggle with, and double-checking everything.

This paragraph presents the term, provides background information, and includes the thesis statement. This paragraph may also suggest the importance or value of understanding the term. It might be helpful to use negation, what it is and is not. The introduction should include a brief standard definition of the term as well as a perspective or point of view about the term. Here is a good thesis statement:

  • The future of wireless cable, a method of transmitting television signals through the air using microwaves, is uncertain.

These 2-3 paragraphs will explain the term's class and present characteristics that distinguish the term from others in the class. These paragraphs can also introduce facts, examples, descriptions, and so forth to make the term understandable. It should be organized using one or more development patterns (narration, cause, and effect, illustration, etc.). Each paragraph should include sufficient information for readers to understand each characteristic.

This paragraph references the thesis and draws the essay to a close. It will also leave the reader with a final impression of the term.

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Common Writing Assignments

9 The Extended Definition Essay

The extended definition essay presents a detailed account of a single term or concept that is central to the content of the course for which the essay is written. What is cryptocurrency? What is a black hole? What is an algorithm? What is symbolism? What is deoxyribonucleic acid? What is National Socialism? Every subject has its own special vocabulary, and teachers will often assign an essay requiring students to present a detailed definition of a key term.

Read carefully this extended definition of feminism.

Example: On Feminism

The word “feminism” describes a popular movement for social justice, based on the premise that women have been and continue to be systemically oppressed by men who do not want to share the greater social, political, and economic power they have historically possessed. But the definition of feminism extends beyond raising the status of one gender; feminism recognizes that equal standards for all people regardless of gender will benefit society as a whole (Montgomery). In this respect, feminism can be interpreted as synonymous with egalitarianism.

Feminist scholars divide the movement into three phases or “Waves.”  First-wave feminism emerged in the early twentieth century in the form of a fight for the rights to vote, to own property, and to qualify for work in fields historically reserved for men. Second-wave feminism emerged in the 1960s as baby boomers entered university and demanded admission to programs that traditionally favoured men, such as engineering, medicine, and forestry, as well as “equal pay for work of equal value” (Montgomery).  Third-wave or post-feminism is the movement’s twenty-first century incarnation, devoted essentially to ending all forms of gender discrimination. Some even argue that a fourth wave has recently emerged, one that is concerned with the portrayal of women in social media.

While there is no clear consensus as to when first-wave feminism began, most accept that it emerged as industrialization progressed in the nineteenth century. Martha Lear coined the term in 1968, though the first wave focused on what we now consider basic issues of inequality (“What Was”). One of the earliest feminists was Mary Wollstonecraft, who mostly wrote in the late eighteenth century advocating that societies, and individuals specifically, should have rights that the state provides. Most other philosophers and writers of the time ignored women and Wollstonecraft was among the first to call for gender equality. After the American Civil War, Elizabeth Stanton and Susan Anthony rallied support for what they saw as one of the first great obstacles to greater freedom: the right to vote. Others, such as Barbara Leigh Smith, saw employment and education for women as critical areas to focus on.

Throughout the nineteenth century, Biblical interpretation of women’s role in the house and family prevented their ability to advance feminist ideals. To counteract the power of the church’s sex-based hierarchy, Stanton produced an influential work called The Woman’s Bible , in which she argued for equality using biblical references. This helped to provide religious justification, at least for some, for emerging feminism in the period. Furthermore, the National Woman Suffrage Association became a prominent organization, and in 1869, John Allen Campbell, the governor of Wyoming, became the first governor to grant women the right to vote (“What Was”). And when women replaced men in factories during the First World War, many realized that women did have equal skills to men. In Canada, women won the right to vote in most provinces during the war. In 1921, Agnes Macphail became the first woman in Canada elected to Parliament.

In the US, women had to wait a bit longer. Feminist organizations lobbied indefatigably and eventually convinced Congress that women should have the right to vote. Finally, in 1920, women won the right to vote across the United States. While the process itself was contentious, featuring hunger strikes and even mob violence, the gradual acceptance of women as voters can be considered the culminating success of first-wave feminism.

“The Progressive Era” took place in the 1930s; women’s social and political activism grew, and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt advocated for the appointment of women to positions within the administration. Her cause was further advanced during the Second World War when, again, women had to take over the work enlisted men were forced to abandon. After the war, however, North America saw a new emphasis on domesticity. When the soldiers returned, women were almost uniformly fired and forced back into their duties of domestic chores and child-raising (Bisignani). Second-wave feminism was a reaction to this post-war obsession with the ideal of the contented housewife and suburban domesticity, a lifestyle that often isolated women and severely limited their choices and opportunities.

Feminism’s second wave truly began in the early 1960s and focused not just on legal barriers to civil equality but also examined social inequalities. Second-wave feminists sought to change discriminatory policies on sexuality and sexual identity; marriage and child-rearing; workplace environment; reproductive rights; and violence against women. They formed local, regional, and federal government groups on behalf of women, resulting in human rights and women’s equality becoming a growing part of the North American political agenda. Finally, they created new, more positive images of women in both pop culture and the media to fight the negative stereotypes commonly in circulation, primarily that of the “happy housewife.”

The second wave of feminism included many landmark moments. In the 1960s, many government health agencies approved the oral contraceptive pill, and in 1963, the Equal Pay Act was passed in the US. In 1968, Coretta Scott King assumed leadership of the African-American civil rights movement and expanded the platform to include women’s rights. This led to Shirley Chisholm becoming the first African-American woman elected to Congress. In 1972, the passage of Title IX ensured equal funding for women’s opportunities in education, and the first women’s studies program in the US opened at San Diego State University. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the second wave came in 1973, when the Roe v. Wade case resulted in women’s access to safe and legal abortion (Bisignani).

Third-wave feminism began in the 1990s and still exists today (Demarco). There are many different outlets and angles of feminism now, but the most important values of the third wave include gender equality, identity, language, sex positivity, breaking the glass ceiling, body positivity, ending violence against women, fixing the media’s image of women, and environmentalism.

Third-wave feminists assert that there is no universal identity for women; women come from every religion, nationality, culture, and sexual preference. Different forms of media such as fashion magazines, newspapers, and television favour white, young, slender women, a fact which negatively impacts all women and results in body anxiety. To combat this anxiety, modern feminists have fought for body positivity, quashing the opinions of those who believe that overweight people are lazy and unhealthy. Feminists want society’s view of women to expand, to recognize, for example, that it is possible to be beautiful enough to be a model, but also smart enough to be an astronaut or a CEO.  But considering that, in 2017, only 18 out of 500 Fortune CEOs and 22 out of 197 global heads of state were women, it is clear that third-wave feminism has not yet removed the glass ceiling (Demarco).

The emerging fourth wavers speak in terms of “intersectionality,” whereby women’s oppression can only fully be understood in the context of marginalization of other groups, who are victims of racism, ageism, classism, and homophobia (Demarco). Among the third wave’s bequests is the importance of inclusion; in the fourth wave, the internet takes inclusion further by levelling hierarchies. The appeal of the fourth wave is that there is a place in it for everyone. The academic and theoretical apparatus are now well-honed and ready to support new broad-based activism in the home, in the workplace, on the streets, and online.

No one is sure how feminism will progress from here. The movement has always included many political, social and intellectual ideologies, each with its own tensions, points and counterpoints. But the fact that each wave has been chaotic, multi-valanced, and disconcerted is cause for optimism; it is a sign that the movement continues to thrive.

Works Cited

Bisignani, Dana. “ Feminism’s Second Wave .” The Gender Press , 27 Jan. 2015, https://genderpressing.wordpress.com/2015/01/27/feminisms-second-wave-2/. Accessed 25 March 2019.

Demarco, April. “ What Is Third Wave Feminist Movement? ” Viva Media , 17 March 2018, https://viva.media/what-is-third-wave-feminist-movement.  Accessed 26 March 2019.

Montgomery, Landon. “ The True Definition Of Feminism .” The Odyssey , 8 March 2016, https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-true-definition-of-feminism. Accessed 27 March 2019.

“ What Was the First Wave Feminist Movement? ” Daily History , 19 Jan. 2019, https://dailyhistory.org/What_was_the_First_Wave_Feminist_Movement%3F. Accessed 28 March 2019.

On Feminism

Study Questions

Respond to these questions in writing, in small group discussion, or both.

  • “On Feminism” is an extended definition essay, but it has qualities of what other rhetorical modes explained in this chapter?
  • What are the main differences between first- and second-wave feminism?
  • What are the main differences between third- and fourth-wave feminism?
  • Respond to the conclusions the author offers in her final paragraph. Do you agree with what she writes?
  • In academic writing assignments, paragraphs should be unified, coherent, and well-developed. Analyze two body paragraphs from this essay, commenting on the qualities of effective paragraphs they illustrate.

Writing Assignment

Write an extended definition of approximately 750 words on one of the following terms: Marxism, irony (in literature), recession (in economics), pentathlon (as Olympic sport), dressage, algorithm, neutral zone trap, cryptocurrency. You may also select your own topic or one provided by your teacher.

Composition and Literature Copyright © 2019 by James Sexton and Derek Soles is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Definition Essay

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Definition Essay - Writing Guide, Examples and Tips

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Published on: Oct 9, 2020

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Many students struggle with writing definition essays due to a lack of clarity and precision in their explanations.

This obstructs them from effectively conveying the essence of the terms or concepts they are tasked with defining. Consequently, the essays may lack coherence, leaving readers confused and preventing them from grasping the intended meaning.

But don’t worry!

In this guide, we will delve into effective techniques and step-by-step approaches to help students craft an engaging definition essay.

Continue reading to learn the correct formation of a definition essay. 

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What is a Definition Essay?

Just as the name suggests, a definition essay defines and explains a term or a concept. Unlike a narrative essay, the purpose of writing this essay is only to inform the readers.

Writing this essay type can be deceivingly tricky. Some terms, concepts, and objects have concrete definitions when explained. In contrast others are solely based on the writer’s understanding and point of view.

A definition essay requires a writer to use different approaches when discussing a term. These approaches are the following:

  • Denotation - It is when you provide a literal or academic definition of the term.
  • Connotation - It is when the writer provides an implied meaning or definition of the term.
  • Enumeration - For this approach, a list is employed to define a term or a concept.
  • Analogy - It is a technique in which something is defined by implementing a comparison.
  • Negation - It is when you define a term by stating what it is not.

A single or combination of approaches can be used in the essay. 

Definition Essay Types

There are several types of definition essays that you may be asked to write, depending on the purpose and scope of the assignment. 

In this section, we will discuss some of the most common types of definition essays.

Descriptive Definition Essay 

This type of essay provides a detailed description of a term or concept, emphasizing its key features and characteristics. 

The goal of a descriptive definition essay is to help readers understand the term or concept in a more profound way.

Stipulative Definition Essay 

In a stipulative definition essay, the writer provides a unique definition of a term or concept. This type of essay is often used in academic settings to define a term in a particular field of study. 

The goal of a stipulative definition essay is to provide a precise and clear definition that is specific to the context of the essay.

Analytical Definition Essay 

This compare and contrast essay type involves analyzing a term or concept in-depth. Breaking it down into its component parts, and examining how they relate to each other. 

The goal of an analytical definition essay is to provide a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the term or concept being discussed.

Persuasive Definition Essay 

A persuasive definition essay is an argumentative essay that aims to persuade readers to accept a particular definition of a term or concept.

The writer presents their argument for the definition and uses evidence and examples to support their position.

Explanatory Definition Essay 

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.

Extended Definition Essay 

An extended definition essay goes beyond the definition of a word or concept and provides a more in-depth analysis and explanation. 

The goal of an extended definition essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a term, concept, or idea. This includes its history, origins, and cultural significance. 

How to Write a Definition Essay?

Writing a definition essay is simple if you know the correct procedure. This essay, like all the other formal pieces of documents, requires substantial planning and effective execution.

The following are the steps involved in writing a definition essay effectively:

Instead of choosing a term that has a concrete definition available, choose a word that is complicated . Complex expressions have abstract concepts that require a writer to explore deeper. Moreover, make sure that different people perceive the term selected differently. 

Once you have a word to draft your definition essay for, read the dictionary. These academic definitions are important as you can use them to compare your understanding with the official concept.

Drafting a definition essay is about stating the dictionary meaning and your explanation of the concept. So the writer needs to have some information about the term.

In addition to this, when exploring the term, make sure to check the term’s origin. The history of the word can make you discuss it in a better way.

Coming up with an exciting title for your essay is important. The essay topic will be the first thing that your readers will witness, so it should be catchy.

Creatively draft an essay topic that reflects meaning. In addition to this, the usage of the term in the title should be correctly done. The readers should get an idea of what the essay is about and what to expect from the document.

Now that you have a topic in hand, it is time to gather some relevant information. A definition essay is more than a mere explanation of the term. It represents the writer’s perception of the chosen term and the topic.

So having only personal opinions will not be enough to defend your point. Deeply research and gather information by consulting credible sources.

The gathered information needs to be organized to be understandable. The raw data needs to be arranged to give a structure to the content.

Here's a generic outline for a definition essay:

Are you searching for an in-depth guide on crafting a well-structured definition essay?Check out this definition essay outline blog!

6. Write the First Draft

Drafting each section correctly is a daunting task. Understanding what or what not to include in these sections requires a writer to choose wisely.

The start of your essay matters a lot. If it is on point and attractive, the readers will want to read the text. As the first part of the essay is the introduction , it is considered the first impression of your essay.

To write your definition essay introduction effectively, include the following information:

  • Start your essay with a catchy hook statement that is related to the topic and the term chosen.
  • State the generally known definition of the term. If the word chosen has multiple interpretations, select the most common one.
  • Provide background information precisely. Determine the origin of the term and other relevant information.
  • Shed light on the other unconventional concepts and definitions related to the term.
  • Decide on the side or stance you want to pick in your essay and develop a thesis statement .

After briefly introducing the topic, fully explain the concept in the body section . Provide all the details and evidence that will support the thesis statement. To draft this section professionally, add the following information:

  • A detailed explanation of the history of the term.
  • Analysis of the dictionary meaning and usage of the term.
  • A comparison and reflection of personal understanding and the researched data on the concept.

Once all the details are shared, give closure to your discussion. The last paragraph of the definition essay is the conclusion . The writer provides insight into the topic as a conclusion.

The concluding paragraphs include the following material:

  • Summary of the important points.
  • Restated thesis statement.
  • A final verdict on the topic.

7. Proofread and Edit

Although the writing process ends with the concluding paragraph, there is an additional step. It is important to proofread the essay once you are done writing. Proofread and revise your document a couple of times to make sure everything is perfect.

Before submitting your assignment, make edits, and fix all mistakes and errors.

If you want to learn more about how to write a definition essay, here is a video guide for you!

Definition Essay Structure 

The structure of a definition essay is similar to that of any other academic essay. It should consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

However, the focus of a definition essay is on defining and explaining a particular term or concept. 

In this section, we will discuss the structure of a definition essay in detail.

Introduction 

Get the idea of writing an introduction for a definition essay with this example:

Body Paragraphs

Here is an example of how to craft your definition essay body paragraph:

Types of the Term/Concept 

If applicable, the writer may want to include a section that discusses the different types or categories of the term or concept being defined. 

This section should explain the similarities and differences between the types, using examples and anecdotes to illustrate the points.

Examples of the Term/Concept in Action 

The writer should also include real-life examples of the term or concept being defined in action. 

This will help the reader better understand the term or concept in context and how it is used in everyday life.

Conclusion 

This example will help you writing a conclusion fo you essay:

Definition Essay Examples

It is important to go through some examples and samples before writing an essay. This is to understand the writing process and structure of the assigned task well.

Following are some examples of definition essays to give our students a better idea of the concept. 

Understanding the Definition Essay

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Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the right topic is challenging for other essay types. However, picking a suitable theme for a definition essay is equally tricky yet important. Pick an interesting subject to ensure maximum readership.

If you are facing writer’s block, here is a list of some great definition essay topics for your help. Choose from the list below and draft a compelling essay.

  • Authenticity
  • Sustainability
  • Mindfulness

Here are some more extended definition essay topics:

  • Social media addiction
  • Ethical implications of gene editing
  • Personalized learning in the digital age
  • Ecosystem services
  • Cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation
  • Sustainable fashion
  • Gender equality in the workplace
  • Financial literacy and its impact on personal finance
  • Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence
  • Welfare state and social safety nets

Need more topics? Check out this definition essay topics blog!

Definition Essay Writing Tips

Knowing the correct writing procedure is not enough if you are not aware of the essay’s small technicalities. To help students write a definition essay effortlessly, expert writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some simple tips.

These easy tips will make your assignment writing phase easy.

  • Choose an exciting yet informative topic for your essay.
  • When selecting the word, concept, or term for your essay, make sure you have the knowledge.
  • When consulting a dictionary for the definition, provide proper referencing as there are many choices available.
  • To make the essay informative and credible, always provide the origin and history of the term.
  • Highlight different meanings and interpretations of the term.
  • Discuss the transitions and evolution in the meaning of the term in any.
  • Provide your perspective and point of view on the chosen term.

Following these tips will guarantee you better grades in your academics.

By following the step-by-step approach explained in this guide, you will acquire the skills to craft an outstanding essay. 

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Our dedicated definition essay writing service is here to craft the perfect essay that meets your academic needs.

For an extra edge, explore our AI essay writer , a tool designed to refine your essays to perfection. 

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extended definition essay on honor

60 Writing Topics for Extended Definitions

These essays go beyond dictionary entries using analysis and examples

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Simply put, a definition is a statement of the meaning of a word or phrase. An extended definition goes beyond what can be found in a dictionary, offering an expanded analysis and illustration of a concept that might be abstract, controversial, unfamiliar, or frequently misunderstood. Take, for example, writings such as William James' "Pragmatic Theory of Truth" or John Berger's " The Meaning of Home ."

Approaching the Abstract

Abstract concepts, including many of the broad terms in the list that follows, need to be "brought to earth" with an example to relate what they mean to your reader and to get your point or opinion across. You could illustrate the concepts with anecdotes from your personal life or examples from the news or current events, or write an opinion piece. There's no single method for developing and organizing a paragraph or essay by extended definition. The 60 concepts listed here can be defined in various ways and from different points of view.

Brainstorming and Prewriting

Start with brainstorming your topic . If you work well with lists, write the word at the top of the paper and fill the rest of the page with all the things that the word makes you think of, feel, see, or even smell, without stopping. It's OK to go off on tangents, as you might find a surprising connection that could make a powerful, insightful, or even humorous essay. Alternatively, brainstorm by writing the word in the middle of your paper and connect other related words to it and each other.

As you develop your angle, think about the concept's background, features, characteristics, and parts. What is the concept's opposite? What are its effects on you or others? Something in your list or word map will spark a writing idea or theme to use to illustrate the abstract concept, and then it's off to the races. If you run into a dead end the first time, go back to your list and pick another idea. It's possible that your first draft turns out to be prewriting and leads to a better idea that can be developed further and can possibly even incorporate the prewriting exercise. Time spent writing is time spent exploring and is never wasted, as sometimes it takes a bit of pursuit to discover the perfect idea.

If seeing examples will help spark your essay, take a look at "Gifts," by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Gore Vidal's "Definition of Prettiness," or "A Definition of Pantomime," by Julian Barnes.

60 Topic Suggestions

Looking for a place to start? Here are 60 words and phrases so broad that writings on them could be infinite:

  • Sportsmanship
  • Self-assurance
  • Sensitivity
  • Peace of mind
  • Right to privacy
  • Common sense
  • Team player
  • Healthy appetite
  • Frustration
  • Sense of humor
  • Conservative
  • A good (or bad) teacher or professor
  • Physical fitness
  • A happy marriage
  • True friendship
  • Citizenship
  • A good (or bad) coach
  • Intelligence
  • Personality
  • A good (or bad) roommate
  • Political correctness
  • Peer pressure
  • Persistence
  • Responsibility
  • Human rights
  • Sophistication
  • Self-respect
  • A good (or bad) boss
  • A good (or bad) parent
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  • 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
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  • Classification Paragraph, Essay, Speech, or Character Study: 50 Topics
  • Discover Ideas Through Brainstorming
  • The Use of Listing in Composition
  • The Prewriting Stage of the Writing Process
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  • Prewriting for Composition
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11.2: Basic Structure

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The Thesis Statement

The definition thesis statement should not only provide the parameters of your proposed definition, but it should also establish why there is a need for establishing a shared understanding of your idea. 109

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\):

  • While many people may believe that being educated requires formal schooling with degrees and certificates to prove achievement, being educated is also the result of learning independent of formal education: books read, journeys taken, and self-reflection.
  • Although family once meant having two parents and siblings living in a house with a white picket fence, families today consist of myriad variations of this arrangement as long as love and support of one another are the critical boundaries.

Unlike other essay modes, the definition essay is organized around the devices that you choose to use to develop your extended definition. For example, a writer could use a process approach. In another approach, a writer could use illustration or narration to demonstrate the real life contexts where the word is used. Cause and effect could be used to clarify what happens when the word is understood in your terms and contexts; similarly, the causes that lead to misinterpretation could be considered and demonstrated. Finally, using a comparison/contrast approach is a common section of most definition essays; sometimes this approach is called negation—with the author emphasizing what the word clearly does not mean, when it does not apply.

Introduction

One strategy for starting a definition essay is to mention circulating and conflicting definitions for the word or concept to be clarified in the essay. Another possibility it to take a historical approach. How has the word or concept been viewed in the past? If the focus of your essay will be arguing for a new slang word, then use examples of other slang words have been introduced in previous generations. As a last resort, you can start with a short dictionary definition of the word, but this approach can be viewed as monotonous and boring to some audiences. Regardless of the approach that you choose, remember that it needs to lead to the thesis statement which is the clear assertion of how you want the word or concept to be understood.

To effectively write a conclusion for an extended definition essay, think about the impacts that adopting your established definition will have for the audience in situational contexts. Reiterate why your assertion is more apt that other perspectives, and be sure to summarize the distinguishing traits used to establish your definition as they were presented in the introduction.

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Extended Definition Essay Example

A definition essay is a type of essays that provides a comprehensive explanation of a term. In the broad sense of the word, you need to write an essay to define one or another issue from your personal perspective. Yes, you can look the word up in a dictionary and provide its precise definition. Thus, while some specific terms may be defined easily as they have a single meaning, there are some abstract terms that require a wider description based on personal perception. Such essays help understand various aspects of a particular term and consider them within examples that are simple and actual. So an extended definition essay must introduce a person’s point of view on a chosen term followed by a detailed description of its use, structure, and function.

definition essay steps

This article is aimed at helping you with writing a definition essay by giving you the list of terms needed to be defined in an essay and ways of how to do it effectively, and it will help you out. Follow it to succeed in essay writing!

Top 3 Terms to Define in an Essay

1. home – is it a place where you live or came from, or is it property you have.

house

While going through happy and tough moments of life, a person decides on what situations he or she feels the most joyful in. Thus, in case of trouble, everyone tends to look for the support of a close person. In the meantime, some people may feel better being alone and not sharing their thoughts. In any of the cases, every person has an own way of overcoming negative moments by being with family, lonely, at work or distracting themselves in other ways. Thus, as soon as one finds a way to feel comfortable and hopeful for a better outcome despite all the problems, the person finds a home.

Home, initially, is defined as a dwelling of a person. Such the description includes not only the actual building, but also its people or one’s family, both interior and exterior, the atmosphere, and the feelings that arise when thinking about home. However, every individual, at some point in life, comes to realize that there is much more behind the term than simply a place to live or the memories created there. In fact, it is rather a house that implies such things. Thus, it is important not to confuse the two terms, as a home has a much deeper meaning than a house.

In particular, if a house is an actual possession, one’s home is something to own when possessing nothing, that is, being materially poor. From a different perspective, a house is a building for living while a home may be both materialistic and abstract and may mean:

  • An environment;
  • A season or time of the day;
  • A state of mind.

In other words, being surrounded with pleasant people, doing favorite job, spending time in a comfortable place at the right time, taking care of somebody or being taken care of, eating a delicious meal – all of these things are home, as they provoke that warm feeling inside one’s heart, or else, a sense of belonging. Hence, a home is intangible.

Interestingly, as a house is a physical object, there cannot be enough space for an endless number of people to fit in, no matter how big the house is. A home, by contrast, is always open to new experiences and memories that help complement the perfectly comforting state of both mind and soul. As time passes, a person tends to change, and it involves the change of his or her priorities, interests, and habits. For example, in adulthood, it is more likely for one to consider a house with the family to be home, while those who are younger may have a great variety of things that comfort them.

While the majority of people have a house since being born, few of them manage to acquire a home throughout life, with only several succeeding in keeping it present in life. In some cases, however, an individual may not manage to realize the presence of a home in his or her life, but one will never doubt when admitting to owning a home in the case of having found one.

2. Love – Is It a Romantic Feeling or Pleasure to Do Something?

boy and girl

Love is one of the great mysteries that is difficult to define, difficult to measure, and difficult to understand. Most people think so. But, sooner or later, each person has a strong feeling of affection for someone – a parent, a close friend or girl/boyfriend. It is a feeling about which writers create love stories and poems, great singers sing, and great philosophers ponder. However, there are other meanings of love besides being a romantic feeling of liking someone. It can be a strong feeling of pleasure and enjoyment that something gives you when you do, see or touch it.

Basically, love is a pleasant emotion most people experience – be it in a family, circles of friends, love affairs or hobbies. There is no wrong definition as love is defined for each and every person differently. Even the ways of its demonstration vary – while someone says about love on a non-stop basis and goes off the head, others enjoy doing something very much as it brings a lot of pleasure. Look how many people around devoted to a deal of a lifetime – artists, musicians, businesspeople, etc. What category of people do you belong to? No matter what you love most, your folks, friends or hobbies, there are things that show your love. They are sacrifice and concern. Look at a businessman who sacrifices time and get concerned about business affairs every single day. It means that these people love what they do. Otherwise, they will give up thinking, “Why should I do it?”

It isn’t worth to ignore the meaning of love as a romantic feeling between two people that can also make them blind or do some unthinkable things. Sometimes, the behavior of loving couples may impress – just take the love story of Edward VIII who abdicated the throne because of his desire to marry a two-time divorced American woman, Wallis Simpson. No sooner had Joséphine asked to present something cute and simple, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Sicily. It’s time to find out what love is for you.

3. Holiday – Is It a Fixed Day by Law or Time to Enjoy?

macbook pro

New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Valentine’s Day… All these days are supposed to bring pleasant emotions as they all are aimed at fun and enjoyment. Moreover, some holidays mean days off – days fixed by law on which people do not have to go to work or school. However, most employers still pay extra money to employees working on the day. What is a day for you when you are free formally? Or can you organize the holiday at any time when you need a rest from work or school?

For some people, holidays are the most awaited days of the year. For example, students wait for summer to relax, pursue their hobbies and go on holiday trips. Adults yearn for holidays to take a break from their monotonous routine. At the same time, there is a necessity for them to make numerous plans for holidays – where and when to go, how much to spend, etc. It may cause some stress and the unwillingness to plan anything for holidays. As a result, people prefer to stay at home lazing on a sofa and eating pizza.

A working week consisting of 5 days allows having additional days to spend the time of rest together with family members, friends, or spend it on own. Usually, there is no rule for going to bed in the evening and getting up in the morning. Moreover, students don’t have to go to school. What luck for them! But they need to complete homework – essays, reports, speeches, etc. So any holiday is a day that requires proper planning and effective time management skills .

Most people believe that a holiday is not a time to forget about the studies or work , especially when you leave your work or study during long vacations. You will surely find it challenging to return to school or work. There are 5 resources to make the transition from break to work smoother for teachers, students, and everyone else. Just squeeze in an hour or two each day for completing some tasks – to read a book or write an essay. And certainly, don’t forget about your interests and hobbies – dancing, blogging, swimming, yoga, painting, or music. It’s up to you what a holiday is for you, and don’t hesitate to write a good definition essay about it.

To simply write a definition essay is complicated because every person has a different perception. The only way to capture the meaning of an issue is to experience it, dig deeper into an issue or find someone who could help with it. Get involved in anything of your choice – a friend, a relative or an academic writer who will format your definition essay properly in addition to high-quality essay writing.

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  • Definition of honor

Definition of honor - Essay Example

Definition of honor

  • Subject: English
  • Type: Essay
  • Level: College
  • Pages: 3 (750 words)
  • Downloads: 2
  • Author: lebsackfleta

Extract of sample "Definition of honor"

Concept Honor is a gesture or an attitude that others display for an individual for all the deeds and accomplishments that is earned or procured for the endeavor that is beyond the scope of a common man. It is an immense pride that any group of individuals or any nation exhibits towards the undertakings performed. Honor is an encouragement for others, an ethos and own confrontation clinched by any nation to recommend for all the actions that has made the result in its favor, may it be war where the bravery has turned the consequences in favor of the nation.

May it be any sports accomplishment or any research that has brought glory to the nation in front of the entire world. A statement of belief or faith that a parents who worth the conception of reputation and examination would be lawfully conceited to comprise, a son or daughter entrust to (A Concept of Honor). Honor is also institutional that is regulated by the rules that one has to abide by. This Code of Honor should never be violated. The Code is equally applicable to all the laws and orders that any nation prescribes.

Infringement of these laws is considered as a misconduct, such behavior brings defame or dishonor to any nation or an organization. These acts could be criminal or scandals that is against the set rules and regulations. Violations of laws are accountable to punishment, retributions or expulsions (A Concept of Honor). Thus, honor also encompasses an enormous pact of tasks. These responsibilities are being taught, guided and evaluated over the time as the providence of any organization or a country relies upon set guidelines.

To receive and act dependably as well as sensibly is a great deal of responsibility. These principled as well as forfeited actions bring nobility to the institution. To procure graciousness and dignity for any nation it becomes imperative for every individual to work conscientiously and meticulously within the frames and parameters of the nation's rules and regulations. It is obvious that if any individual does wrong then it directly affects that pride of the organization (A Concept of Honor).

It could be understood that by means of cultural unfairness or discriminations or by sustaining dual standards, conceit of the nation is influenced. It is imperative that for the sake of honor of any organization such strokes should be evaded. There could be a variety of condone to keep the spirits of the employees at a high pace and to let them enjoy the freedom of work. This not only promotes confidence and support in favor of the nation or the organization but also brings rewards and honor for the institution (A Concept of Honor).

Rewards and honor could not be forced but they are self- generated by means of actions and the feeling of belongingness that an individual possess for the nation. Unless, this feeling of belongingness is generated from within, honor of any form can never be procured. This feeling is essential for the safety of nation and to eradicate terrorism from its roots. It is observed that in some of the developing as well as developed nations women are highly ill-treated and there is little wages for their hardships.

This could not bring any honor to the nation. It is therefore essential that both men and women work in co-ordination and respect for each other to bring pride, appreciation, magnificence and glory to the nation (Honor). Conclusion In social perspectives it is

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extended definition essay on honor

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Definition Essay: A Powerful Guide to Writing an Excellent Paper

A definition essay is a type of academic writing that explains what a term or a concept means.

What Is a Definition Essay?

What a definition essay is a piece of writing (see all essay types ) that explains what a term or a concept means. Some words have definite, concrete meanings, such as glass, book, or tree. Terms such as honesty, honor, or love are abstract and depend more on a person’s point of view.

A definition essay can be evaluated from the direct, or exact meaning and the point of the subjectivity of the person defining the term. The aim is not only to provide a dictionary definition but also elaborate on why the word is defined in such a manner. The approach depends on the subject, readers, and the essay’s purpose.

3 Steps to a Powerful Definition Essay

When you start writing a definition essay, follow 3 main steps.

Definition Essay

Choosing Ideas for Writing a Definition Essay

Choosing the definition is a key step in writing a definition essay. You need to understand the term used for your definition paper and make sure it’s easy-to-understand by others. Read the dictionary, but don’t just copy the definition. Explain the term’s meaning briefly in your own words. Besides, it is important to limit your term before you start defining it. For example, you could write forever on such definition essay topics as “love”, “money”, “power”, or friendship. To limit it, you would write about either “romantic love,” “platonic love,” or “first love.” If you are assigned to write a definition essay here is a great list of definition essay topics:

15 INTERESTING DEFINITION ESSAY TOPICS

If the definition essay topics from the list above don’t match your assignment and you need another topic for definition writing, feel free to contact our writing service. You can also read an article on How to Pick Proper Essay Topics.

How to Write a Definition Essay: Outline and Format

The definition essay outline format is similar to that of a typical essay and includes several unique characteristics. Typically, it includes the introduction, body, and conclusion parts. A definition essay is a good option when you want to learn about the classic college essay structure. Here is a detailed focus on each section.

Definition Essay: Introduction

Start with one of the various techniques, such as a short anecdote, a peculiar fact, a quote, or an open-ended question. Your introduction should conclude with a clear, precise thesis statement that tells your readers just what the essay will discuss. All body paragraphs directly support the thesis statement. The thesis statement usually identifies the term being defined and provides a brief, basic definition.

If you are looking for essay examples here is a great one below: 

The Impact of Social Media in Our Daily Lives Smoking in Public Places Should Be Banned

Definition Essay: Body Paragraphs

Create a thorough definition. There are several ways on h ow to write a definition essay about a certain term. Here are a few options.

Use understandable facts, examples, or anecdotes. Select the ones that can fully explain your definition. Ask yourself, “Which examples will best help readers understand the term? What examples would most appeal to my readers? Will a brief story reveal the term’s meaning?” Do not use any examples that will not support the definition.

Definition Essay: Conclusion

Restate the thesis statement in other words. Give an overview of the main points of the paper, referring to the entire body paragraphs. Link back to the attention grabber to conclude your essay.

The Dos and Don’ts of a Powerful Definition Essay Writing:

Dos and Donts of a Definition Essay Writing

Need a definition essay? Our writers have experience in all types of essays writing, including a definition essay. Place an order today to get your definition essay on time.

Definition Types Frequently Used in Essays

Just as you pick a term or concept to define, a question might arise – which type of definition, exactly, could help you define a chosen term in the best possible way?

We’d like to recommend you 7 types of definitions you can use to write your essay:

  • Analytical: Analyze the term by breaking it down into the smallest elements and define each of the elements in particular. 
  • Classification: Define a term from the point of view of classes to which a term or its elements belong.
  • Comparison: Compare and contrast several terms or concepts, or their constituent parts against each other.
  • Details: Each term can be defined based on its peculiar details or characteristic features. 
  • Negation: It’s a witty move to define a term by explaining what it isn’t. 
  • Origins & Causes: Define a term or concept by describing its origins, historical background, and causes.
  • Results, Effects, & Uses: Define a term by telling about its causes, results, effects, and possible uses. 

Now let’s move on from theory to practice. 

We’d like to share a couple of useful definition essay examples and examples for your inspirational and practical writing needs as well as provide some nifty hints and tips.   

Definition Essay on Love

Everyone wants to love and be loved. Love is the most powerful feeling we have. If you can’t decide which topic to choose, always go for Love. Should you offer readers an interesting perspective on love (e.g., Causes & Effects of Love from the Point of View of Neurochemistry ), you’ll definitely hit the right chords with your definition essay.    

Check out 5 interesting love definition essay topics to write about in 2023:

  • Love vs Hate: What Do These Feelings Have in Common?
  • Mother’s Love
  • How Love Affects the Way We Think and Behave?
  • What Is True Love? 
  • Stages of Love as a Chemical Process Inside Our Brain

Have a look at a love definition essay example for you to use for your inspirational and reference needs.  

[Definition Sample]

Happiness Definition Essay

What is happiness? For someone, happiness is to love and be loved. For others, happiness is being rich and being able to afford things other people can’t. And for some of us, happiness is freedom: freedom to love, freedom to self-express, and freedom to be who we are. 

Everyone sees happiness differently, and that’s why this topic is so interesting to define. 

Here are some of the examples of happiness definition essay, which will definitely inspire you:

  • Happiness Is a Chemical Process
  • What Causes Happiness?  
  • How to Be Happy?
  • The Secrets of the Happiest Man on Earth
  • Marital Happiness  

In case you’re interested, we’ve prepared a couple of happiness definition essay samples you can read and get new ideas for your own essay.

[ Definition Sample -1 Definition Sample-2 ]

Family Definition Essay

Our family is the closest people we have in this world. People we love and people we’re happy with. Some of us didn’t have a family and some of us have pretty large and close families. Family is a broad concept and can offer you a plethora of topic options to choose from.

Some of the most inspiring family definition essay topics are the following:

  • 2023 Core Family Values
  • Why Do Families Break Up?
  • How to Be a Parent in Your 16s?
  • The Perfect American Family
  • American vs European Family Values
  • My Family Values 
  • How to Grow up Having no Family?
  • Being a Single Parent
  • College & Parenting 

If you need a good example of a family definition essay, we’ve just got what you need!

[ Definition Sample ]

Freedom Definition Essay

We as Americans do love our freedom! We celebrate it, we cherish it, and we fight for it against everyone who wants to take freedom from us. But what freedom is for some of us, for others is anarchy and vice versa, especially in 2023. 

The First Amendment grants us the freedom of belief, the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom to petition the government if our freedoms are violated.

Check out the most inspiring freedom definition essay topics to take into consideration in 2023:

  • The Bill of Rights and The First Amendment
  • Freedom vs Anarchy
  • What’s a Lawless State?
  • Rioting and Looting as Perversion of Freedom 
  • What Socialism Is and What Democracy Isn’t 
  • Freedoms They Took Away From us During COVID-19 Pandemic 
  • Restriction of Liberty

Our essay writers prepared some freedom essay samples you can download for free.  

Easy Definition Essay Topics

On one of those slow days, you need nothing more than an easy definition essay topic. 

These definition essay topics are as easy as they can get:

  • Importance of College Education
  • Trump vs Biden 
  • My First Love
  • Communism vs Capitalism  
  • Who Is a Hero of the Day?
  • Most Well-Paid Jobs in 2023
  • My Definition of Success? 
  • Definition of a Good Essay 
  • My Perfect Date 
  • First Day at Work 

These topics are so easy you don’t want to even have a sample. Just sit down and do some good buy college essays online in the evening. 

Extended Definition Essay Topics

An extended definition essay deals with broad terms only. If a term or concept has only one meaning or connotation, it couldn’t be used for the purposes of an extended definition. 

Sounds a bit confusing? Then let’s see a couple of extended definition topics so you could easily make sense of it faster. 

  • The Government Is Watching Us
  • Marvel Antagonists Aren’t All Bad “People”
  • Trump Isn’t Too Awful a President 
  • The Many Faces of Generosity
  • Why the Rainforests Destruction Should Be Prohibited?
  • What Feminism Really Isn’t 
  • CIA Actually Operates on the US Soil 
  • How to Be Rich?  

BTW, an example of an extended definition essay is available right here!

Definition Essay Ideas for Business

Is an MBA your major? Then there’s a 100% chance that you’ll have to write a definition essay on business or two! Focus on such subjects as e-commerce, startups, investments, Forex, cryptocurrency, macro and microeconomics, etc. 

It might be a good idea to write your definition essay about:

  • Karl Marx, The Capital  
  • How to Explain the Meaning of Blockchain to a 60-year-old?
  • YouTube Economy
  • How Do Banks Work?
  • South African Economy 
  • Deming’s 14 Points of Total Quality Management
  • Essentials of Capitalism 
  • Who Are the 1%?
  • How to Start Your First Blog?
  • The Concept of Tax Evasion 

A great business definition essay example is available right here!

Definition Essay Ideas for Science & IT

Programming used to be a closed club for nerds and tech-gurus who did everything from fixing broken Xeros to creating a web-site or developing accounting software. 

Today we have web-coders, software developers, programmers, Scrum masters, project managers, hackathons, startup culture, incubators, and plenty of other IT-related terms you can define in an essay. 

Here are some of the topics about Science and IT that might inspire you:

  • Lean Startup
  • MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
  • Where to Start Learning Programming?
  • Programmers vs Developers 
  • Major Types of Web Coding Languages 
  • 5 Most Well-Paid IT Jobs in 2023
  • How Hindu Programming Code Is Different?
  • Modern Coding Patterns
  • Python vs Java 
  • What Is GPU?
  • What Is a Processing Core?
  • Big Data Analysis 

An example definition essay on Science & IT is available for you to read and use for writing your own composition.  

Have neither time nor desire to write any definition essay? It’s time to call our skilled and talented college writers and order your custom definition essay for an affordable price!

Persuasive Essay

The primary purpose of persuasive essay is to persuade or convince the reader that a certain claim or viewpoint is right. A persuasive essay can be written from either a subjective or an objective point of view simply because persuasion is found in a variety…

Full list of the most trending argumentative essay topics

Top-50 topics you would love to work on PLUS useful tips on writing a flawless argumentative essay. As you may already know, an argumentative essay is a writing genre where the student establishes a position on a given or chosen topic and then uses evidence…

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IMAGES

  1. Extended definition essay. How to Write an Extended Definition Essay

    extended definition essay on honor

  2. Exploring True Friendship: Family Beyond Blood Free Essay Example

    extended definition essay on honor

  3. FREE 8+ Extended Essay Samples in MS Word

    extended definition essay on honor

  4. 🌱 What is extended definition. What Is Extended Detection and Response

    extended definition essay on honor

  5. Essay Definition & Meaning

    extended definition essay on honor

  6. 💣 Writing an extended definition essay. Extended Definition Essay. 2022

    extended definition essay on honor

VIDEO

  1. Demo Teaching for Extended definition

  2. Extended Definition

  3. Video Essay Honor Flight Mission 115

  4. The Honor Concept: A Brief History

  5. Honor 8X

  6. "HONOR BY DEFINITION" (EDIFICATION)

COMMENTS

  1. Extended Definition Essay

    Extended Definition Essay. In your next writing assignment, you will be able to choose an abstract concept to define in detail. Your essay should explain your unique opinion on the concept you chose—your definition should differ from what others might say or vary from the simple dictionary definition. It should also include various strategies ...

  2. Extended Definitions in Essays and Speeches

    Updated on September 12, 2019. In a paragraph, essay, or speech, an extended definition is an explanation and/or illustration of a word, thing, or concept. Randy Devillez in "Step by Step College Writing" says that an extended definition can be "as short as a paragraph or two or as long as several hundred pages (such as a legal definition of ...

  3. Writing an Extended Definition

    In the End. Your task in writing an extended definition is to add to the standard/notional definition in a way that will allow your audience to gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the term in a particular context. Whether you do this by adding facts, telling what a term does not include, or applying any of the many development ...

  4. How to Write an Extended Definition

    How to Write an Extended Definition: Usually when you hear the word "definition" you think of a dictionary or encyclopedia. For example: a juvenile delinquent is: an underage person convicted of crime or antisocial behavior. Likewise, a venture capitalist is: a person who provides money for innovative projects.: Perhaps you have writen a narrative essay about a personal experience.

  5. Honor Definition and Perception

    The word honor is used to denote high regard or respect for the person. As an example of this definition, it is possible to mention the famous artists, sportsmen, politicians, who are appreciated for their merits. For example, a famous sportsman is considered to be a man of great honor for his fans. This word is used to emphasize the high ...

  6. PDF Rhetorical Form: Writing an Extended Definition

    What is an extended definition? An extended definition is a definition that goes beyond a dictionary.com or a Merriam Webster definition. Anyone can look up a one-sentence definition online or in a dictionary. In contrast, extended definitions are lengthier and more detailed definitions. When should an extended definition be used? An extended ...

  7. Extended Definition of Honor

    Extract of sample "Extended Definition of Honor". People look for honor regardless of the types and mode of acquisition there seem to exist. The first type of honor that anyone would associate with is that gained from dignity, respect, and status among his or her peers or a certain clique of people. The other two honors arise from the ...

  8. The Definition Essay

    A definition essay is one that explains a term, either by defining what it means or by clarifying which meaning is intended when a word has several meanings. For instance, a writer might need to define slicing to someone unfamiliar with golf or the term koi to someone unfamiliar with tropical fish. If the writer calls a friend a nonconformist ...

  9. Definition Essay

    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 ...

  10. The Extended Definition Essay

    Read carefully this extended definition of feminism. Example: On Feminism The word "feminism" describes a popular movement for social justice, based on the premise that women have been and continue to be systemically oppressed by men who do not want to share the greater social, political, and economic power they have historically possessed.

  11. Definition Essay

    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.

  12. How to Write a Definition Essay: Outline, Examples

    So what is a definition essay?As the name suggests, a definition essay is an essay that explains in detail a certain term or concept. However, instead of being limited to a simple dictionary definition, which normally takes a few phrases, such an essay contains an extended definition that includes additional details, such as examples, descriptions, an analysis of this term and other related ...

  13. 60 Writing Topics for Extended Definitions

    Pride. Beauty. Greed. Virtue. Progress. A good (or bad) boss. A good (or bad) parent. Cite this Article. These 60 topic suggestions for extended definition essays go beyond dictionary entries using analysis, anecdotes, and examples.

  14. 11.2: Basic Structure

    Unlike other essay modes, the definition essay is organized around the devices that you choose to use to develop your extended definition. For example, a writer could use a process approach. In another approach, a writer could use illustration or narration to demonstrate the real life contexts where the word is used.

  15. Extended Definitions: How to Write a Definition Essay in APA Style

    The extended definition essay can use a single pattern of organization or multiple.

  16. Extended Definition Essay Topics

    An extended definition essay may consider the structure, function, or underlying meaning of the topic at hand. Sometimes, extended definition essays offer conceptual analyses by presenting ...

  17. 3 Steps to Define 3 Terms in a Definition Essay

    A definition essay is a type of essays that provides a comprehensive explanation of a term. In the broad sense of the word, you need to write an essay to define one or another issue from your personal perspective. Yes, you can look the word up in a dictionary and provide its precise definition. Thus, while some specific terms may be defined ...

  18. Definition of honor

    ("Definition of honor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words", n.d.) Retrieved from https: ... From the paper "Extended definition of honor" it is clear that the real meaning of honor will always have the subsets of integrity, principles, respect, dignity, ...

  19. Definition Essay: A Powerful Guide to Writing an Excellent Paper

    Terms such as honesty, honor, or love are abstract and depend more on a person's point of view. A definition essay can be evaluated from the direct, or exact meaning and the point of the subjectivity of the person defining the term. The aim is not only to provide a dictionary definition but also elaborate on why the word is defined in such a ...

  20. Definition Essay's Flashcards

    Description of a Definition Essay (1) A definition essay goes beyond just a dictionary definition of a word. Usually a word or concept can be defined in just one sentence. A definition Essay, however, needs to be several paragraphs.Therefore, the definition must be extended to include examples, details, analysis, etc.

  21. 250+ Definition Essay Topics Ideas for Students

    Honor: Its Role and Relevance in Modern Society Passion: The Driving Force Behind Creativity and Success Leadership: A Dynamic and Evolving Concept ... An extended definition essay has a quite interesting structure. While it might not look very different from commonly used structure of, an argument-rooted essay, for example, there still exist ...

  22. PDF Sample 2 Extended Definition Essay

    AN ESSAY OF EXTENDED DEFINITION What is Love? Introduction (Leads reader into the essay by example. Note that it is divided into two paragraphs because of the natural shift) Thesis statement (Uses classification to define the subject) Paragraph One (Outlines the first category using example to define) Paragraph Two (Continues with category one ...

  23. English Composition II Lesson 6 Exam

    Lawrence and Louise are discussing the nature of an extended-definition essay. Lawrence maintains that this sort of essay centers on a specific term or concept in order to write about it in detail. Louise argues that an extended-definition essay can use different kinds of patterns of development, including narration, process, or argument.