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Definition of Terms

This document defines key terms related to defining terms and providing definitions. It discusses defining terms, types of definitions including name, etymological, synonymous, definition by description, definition by example, definition by illustration, and ostensive definition. It also outlines rules for a good definition, including that a definition should be clear, adequate, positive, and brief. Examples are provided to illustrate each type of definition and rule.

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Rome Bueno Jr.
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56 views23 pages

Definition of Terms

This document defines key terms related to defining terms and providing definitions. It discusses defining terms, types of definitions including name, etymological, synonymous, definition by description, definition by example, definition by illustration, and ostensive definition. It also outlines rules for a good definition, including that a definition should be clear, adequate, positive, and brief. Examples are provided to illustrate each type of definition and rule.

Uploaded by

Rome Bueno Jr.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DEFINITION OF TERMS

To define a term is to explain its meaning

Term to be defined Defining term


1
To increase one’s vocabulary
2
To minimize/eliminate
ambiguity or vagueness
3
To set a theoretical framework
4
To influence attitudes
TYPES OF DEFINITIONS
NAME Expresses what the name
means, not what the thing is
Etymological
Synonymous
Definition by description
Definition by example
Definition by illustration
Ostensive definition
Etymological
The definition is derived from the meaning of
the original word or words from which the
definiendum is derived
Gives the origin of the word
Synonymous
Gives the same connotation of the term
! Connotation – refers to the group of
characteristics essential to the term
Definition by description
Provides a definition as to its physical
appearance

EXAMPLE:
tree: a living thing having roots, a single
trunk, some branches, and leaves
Definition by example
Definition that gives an example of a
definition for a more concrete understanding
of the term to be defined
EXAMPLE:
dog: shih tzu, labrador
coffee: Nescafe, Starbucks frappuccino
Definition by illustration
Gives a clear picture of the definiendum
through the use of illustration in order to
picture the meaning of the term
EXAMPLE:
Mathematical symbols
Ostensive definition
Definition by simple identification
(Latin) ostendere - “to point”, “to show”
Expresses what the thing is

Essential Non-essential
Constructed by a Definition by Definition by
genus and specific description cause
difference
Proper set of Final cause
Man is a rational characteristics,
Efficient cause
animal. set of formal
features, the Material cause
Triangle is a
properties, and Formal cause
polygon with three
origin of the
sides.
object.
RULES OF A GOOD DEFINITION
1 CLARITY
A definition should avoid ambiguity and
vagueness.
Must not be obscure
Must not be figurative
Happiness is a way station between too
little and too much.
2 ADEQUACY
Must be specific
Not too broad
A square is a four-sided polygon.

Not too narrow


A woman is a married mother.
3 POSITIVE
Must not be negative
Beautiful is not ugly.
4 BRIEF
Must not be circular
A cookbook is a book for cooking.
A painter is a person who paints.
1)A net is the reticulated fabric
decussated at regular intervals
with interstices and intersections.
2) A lifeguard is an expert swimmer
employed to rescue bathers from
drowning.
3) A doctor is a surgeon.
4) Enemy: not a friend.

5) An illegitimate child is a child


not legitimate.

6) “Deo Gratias” literally means


“thanks to God”.
7) Philosophy means “the love of
wisdom”, which comes from the
Greek words philein and sophia.
8) A bachelor is an unmarried
male.
9) A proprietor is an owner.
10)Logic is the science of correct
reasoning.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

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