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Definition-Docs

Definitions provide clarity and prevent confusion by explaining the meaning of words as they relate to the topic being discussed. There are three main types of definitions used in technical writing: 1) parenthetical definitions which provide a short explanation within parentheses, 2) sentence definitions which explain the word in a single sentence, and 3) extended definitions which use multiple sentences or a paragraph to thoroughly define more complex terms. Including the proper definitions is important as it allows both the writer and readers to have a shared understanding and prevents misunderstandings that could arise from ambiguous language.

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116 views

Definition-Docs

Definitions provide clarity and prevent confusion by explaining the meaning of words as they relate to the topic being discussed. There are three main types of definitions used in technical writing: 1) parenthetical definitions which provide a short explanation within parentheses, 2) sentence definitions which explain the word in a single sentence, and 3) extended definitions which use multiple sentences or a paragraph to thoroughly define more complex terms. Including the proper definitions is important as it allows both the writer and readers to have a shared understanding and prevents misunderstandings that could arise from ambiguous language.

Uploaded by

Sangcad M Ambolo
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 DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Definition
 What is Definition?
Definitions in technical writing refer to explaining the meaning of a word as it relates to
the subject being discussed. Definitions can solve problems and clear up confusion
within a document. Providing a definition for your readers will enable the writer and the
audience to have a unified understanding of a term.

 Components of a Definition

 Definiendum
The word or words being defined
a word, phrase, or symbol which is the subject of a definition, especially in
a dictionary entry, or which is introduced into a logical system by being defined

 Definiens
The word or words that state the meaning of that which is being defined

A word, phrase, or symbolic expression used to define something,


especially in a dictionary entry, or introducing a word or symbol into a logical
system by providing a statement of its meaning.

The defined concept is sometimes called the definiendum (that which is


defined), while the rest of the definition is called the definiens (that which does the
defining).

The Definition must be:

Simple
Specific
Relatable
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 When to Use Definitions in Technical Writing?

Does this mean we need to define every word we use? Of course not! But you should
consider including a definition under the following circumstances:
When understanding a word is necessary to understanding the document's purpose, but
the word may be unfamiliar to the audience - For example, let's say that you are writing a
report about a new medicine that promises to stop flatulence in males. Some people may not
understand what the word 'flatulence' means, so you must explain the term before you can
promote the new medicine.
When a commonly used word may have a different meaning to different people - For
example, if you are writing a business report about the need for fiscal conservatism, you would
need to define what you mean by the term 'conservatism' since some may see that as not
spending any money and others may interpret it to mean that they must spent a little less than
they did before.
When understanding more about a word will help the writer strengthen a point or
argument - This may include explaining the origin or history of the word, or explaining the word
as it relates to a subject. For example, if you are developing a new set of binoculars for a
company, you may want to explain that 'bi' in Latin means 'two' and 'ocul' in Latin means 'eye'
to illustrate why binoculars have two viewing spaces.
Remember, the purpose of including definitions is to help the reader better understand
your message. If you use a term that may confuse your reader, consider including a definition.

 Why definition is Important?

 a common Enable us to have understanding of a word or subject;


The definition of definition is “a statement expressing the essential nature of
something.” At least that’s one way Webster defines the word.  But why is a
definition so important?  Because definitions enable us to have a common
understanding of a word or subject; they allow us to all be on the same page when
discussing or reading about an issue.  And while we tend to make sure we properly
define our words and phrases so that all understand, how well do we do that with
our projects, programs or initiatives?
https://piadvice.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/the-importance-of-proper-definition/
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 Has the potential to provide clarity.


The presentation of an alternative definition may appear generic, even
unimportant.  A definition often washes over a reader, leaving the reader influenced,
but without any obvious new insight as to the intended meaning or implications of a
word.   Worse, without proper guidance, a reader may interpret a definition differently
than what is intended by the author, or in the case of economics, different from how the
discipline is actually employing the definition.  Definitions are, however, important,
potentially very important.  A definition has the potential to provide clarity.  At their
best, definitions act like a compass, providing a lost reader with several potential
directions from which to proceed.
https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/socialprovisioning/chapter/the-importance-of-definitions/

 Can solve problems and clear up confusion within a document


Many people claim the English language is one of the hardest languages to learn.
Why? One reason is that we have so many words that are spelled the same but have
different meanings. For example, when you write the word 'date', are you talking about
the fruit or the activity? Are 'leaves' things that fall from trees or when a person exits? Is
a 'crane' a bird, a machine, or a movement? When we start to see how many different
definitions can be gleaned from one word, it's easy to understand why the English
language can be confusing.
Language can be a source of confusion in the workplace as well. When technical
terms are not understood or interpreted correctly, readers may not know what the
document is saying or what is expected of them. That's why we need to include
definitions as part of our technical writing. Definitions in technical writing refer to
explaining the meaning of a word as it relates to the subject being discussed. Definitions
can solve problems and clear up confusion within a document. Providing a definition for
your readers will enable the writer and the audience to have a unified understanding of
a term.
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 Types of Definitions
Our first instinct when we think about defining a word is to look it up in
the dictionary. But this is not the best solution for technical writing. Instead, the
definitions should be written in a way that relate clearly to the subject and easily
fit into the flow of the document. There are three common types of definitions
that are used in technical writing:

a. Parenthetical definitions

Words that quickly explain a term and are included within the same
sentence as the word being defined.
It uses Parenthesis

are short phrases that are included within the same sentence as the word
being defined. The name of this type of definition comes from the use of
parentheses to separate the definition from the rest of the sentence. For
example, 'The compensation (pay) you receive for your work is dependent on
the quality of the product you create.' In this sentence, 'pay' is the definition the
author uses for 'compensation', so 'pay' is placed in parentheses immediately
after the word it defines.

b. Sentence definitions
An Explanation of a word using one sentence.

are an explanation of a word using one sentence. And provide the


additional information needed to help increase comprehension. For example, 'All
employees must have a knowledge of HTML. HTML is a system for achieving
various effects on web pages.' Notice the second sentence defines a term from
the first sentence.
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c. Extended definitions

are the use of a paragraph or more to expand on a word that may be


difficult to comprehend. An extended definition almost always starts with a
sentence definition, but then expands on the word by describing its functions,
physical traits, location, and so on.
An important writing tool you'll need, particularly if you are writing for
nonspecialists, is definition—or more specifically, extended definition.
An extended definition is a one or more paragraphs that attempt to
explain a complex term. Some terms may be so important in your report, there
may be so much confusion about them, or they may be so difficult to understand
that an extended discussion is vital for the success of your report.

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