Giving Technical

and Operational
Definitions
Learning competency

Give technical and operational definitions.

EN10V-IIa-13.9
Activity: what do I mean?
1. The Red Cross furnishes food
and clothing to the typhoon
victims.
a. pulls b. builds
c. gives d. pushes
Activity: what do I mean?
2. Dad saturates the cloth with
water. After it had been soaked, he
pours spot remover on the stain.
a. dries b. soaks
c. dirties d. folds
Activity: what do I mean?
3. The boys were in peril as they sat
on the edge of the cliff. They were in
danger of being swept away by the
strong waves.
a. danger b. safe
c. happy d. secure
Activity: what do I mean?
4. The bank has other branches in
the city.
a. limbs of a tree b. offices
c. classes d. groups
Activity: what do I mean?
5. A swimmer began to flounder in
the ocean and yelled for help. a. a
kind of fish
b. struggle
c. a character in an animated movie
d. float
What is TECHNICAL?
• refers to the definition of a word as
used in a particular field like Science,
Law, or Engineering

• the meaning of the word is associated

with the field or area of study
What is TECHNICAL?
• the aspect of explaining or describing
any terminology

• the definition of terms/words are

found in the dictionary
How to write technical definition
Term =
Classification
+
Differentiation/Characteristics
How to write technical definition
Classification = to which the
term belongs
Differentiation/Characteristics
= details about the term that
distinguish it from others
Example 1
A stall is a flight condition in which the
lift produced becomes less than the
weight of the airplane, and the airplane
stops flying.
Example 2
A bug is a condition in a program that
causes the program to behave in a way
that deviates from its specification by
producing erroneous behavior or
violating some other constraint.
EXAMPLE 3

Operation is a procedure followed in

an instruction
EXAMPLE 4

Surf is a sport, where a person

stands on a board and rides with the
waves
What is OPERATIONAL?
• it is a result of the process of
operationalization and it is used to
define something (term/object) in
terms of the process
• it is the process of defining a word/term
of how it is used in a sentence, or using
context clues
What is OPERATIONAL?
• it is the application of the word/term,
these may include the various attempts
to define or explain a certain process
and its properties including but not
limited to the characterization of the
event itself
EXAMPLE 1
Assume that your class and another class collaborate
on a project. You're trying to figure out which balls roll
the fastest. When the experiment is over, you'll want
to compare the results, so make sure you all do it the
same way. This means that every time a group of
students repeats the experiment, they must use the
same materials and follow the same protocol as the
other groups. They must also make all of their
measurements in the same way.
EXAMPLE 1

The fastest ball is the one that

crosses the finish line before all the
other balls.
EXAMPLE 2
Lemon juice, vinegar, and certain other
substances are acids. To find out whether a
substance is an acid, place a drop of the
substance on blue litmus paper.

Substances that cause the litmus paper

to turn pink are acids.
EXAMPLE 3

Weight is the number that appears

when that object is placed on a
weighing scale.
operational vs technical definition
• A technical definition is a definition in
the technical sense, while an
operational definition includes
information from the real world.
operational vs technical definition
• So a technical definition might be an
automobile which is a machine with
four wheels and includes details of the
automobile that make it function
operational vs technical definition
• Operational definition would be an
automobile is a car or truck that gets
you around from place to place and
caries cargo or passengers and makes it
easier to live in the city or provinces.
EXAMPLE:
• COMPUTER
(Technical) is a device or machine used in
performing, assessing, evaluating, and
following commands set by the users
(Operational) is something used in doing
homework or browsing the Internet
EXAMPLE:
• OPERATION
(Technical) in the military field, it means a
mission with specific goals and objectives

(Operational) it is the procedure given to

be followed
Activity: technical or operational
1. The bank closes at 3pm daily.
2. My father’s operation was done
successfully and is under recovery.
3. Conglomerate boards of SM had
decided to relieve the CEO from his
position starting tomorrow.
Activity: technical or operational
4. Students usually surf the websites for
answers to their modules.
5. The fruits of her hardships were greatly
rewarded.
6. The soldier’s watch was over a minute
ago when his reliever came.
Activity: technical or operational
7. The soldier’s watch was broken.
8. My friend’s promise was broken.
9. My vase was broken by my cat.
10. The fruits from the chico tree were
eaten by the birds.
Activity:
Construct sentences using the words
below into Technical and
Operational Terms.

Bank Rock Shop

Computer Stock
TYPES OF DEFINITIONS
1. Parenthetical definition
show the synonym in parentheses
immediately after the word.

The software has received many

reviewers' accolades (praises).
2. Defining phrase
follow the term with a few words to
explain it

A technical writer should ask a colleague

to proof each draft, to read through it
for errors.
3. Formal sentence
Start with the word or phrase, state the
class and the distinguishing
characteristics that make it different
from other members of its class.
3. Formal sentence
An operational definition (phrase) is the
specific meaning of a word or phrase
(class) given to it by the group of
people who use
the word in its specific context
(distinguishing characteristics).
4. Extended definition
the longest, offering the
freedom to provide insight into the origin
of the term, additional meanings,
synonyms and antonyms, and more.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
• denotation - The most basic
meaning of a term, usually the first
meaning in a dictionary entry

A cat is a small, domesticated

carnivorous mammal with retractable
claws.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
• connotation - The most familiar
meaning of a term to a user

The old house is cozy and

nostalgic, evoking memories of warmth
and comfort.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining

• synonym - Another word or phrase

that has the same or almost the
same meaning
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
"Friendship, often regarded as a bond between
individuals based on mutual affection and trust,
can be further understood as a synonym for
companionship. Companionship emphasizes
the aspect of shared experiences, mutual
support, and a sense of camaraderie,
highlighting the importance of spending quality
time together and fostering a deep connection."
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining

• antonym - Another word or phrase

that has the opposite meaning
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
"Courage, typically defined as the ability to face fear or
danger with bravery and confidence, can be better
understood by exploring its antonym, fearfulness.
Fearfulness represents a state of apprehension and
timidity, emphasizing the absence of courage and the
tendency to avoid challenging situations. By
contrasting courage with fearfulness, we gain a clearer
understanding of the strength and resilience required
to overcome obstacles and act boldly in the face of
adversity."
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
• description - a longer, more detailed
description than is provided by a
single formal sentence. This may
include a description of each part of
a device.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
"Empathy, often described as the capacity
to understand and share the feelings of
others, goes beyond mere sympathy or
compassion. It involves an active and
genuine effort to step into someone else's
shoes and experience the world from their
perspective. When practicing empathy
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
individuals display a remarkable ability to
listen attentively, offer non-judgmental
support, and validate the emotions of
others. This nuanced understanding
enables them to connect on a deeper
level, fostering a sense of genuine
connection, emotional resonance, and
mutual understanding."
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
• contrast - A discussion of the term
as it compares to a term that has a
different meaning.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
Freedom, often understood as the state of
being unrestricted and able to act
according to one's own will, contrasts with
oppression. While freedom represents
autonomy, choice, and individual rights,
oppression signifies the denial or
limitation of those rights and the
imposition of unjust restrictions
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
Oppression suppresses personal
freedoms, stifles expression, and hinders
the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.
By contrasting freedom with oppression,
we gain a clearer understanding of the
value and significance of personal
liberties and the detrimental effects of
oppressive systems or practices."
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining

• comparison - A discussion of the

term as it relates to a term similar
in meaning
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
Resilience, akin to the sturdy branches
of a tree weathering a storm, refers to
the ability to bounce back from
adversity and overcome challenges.
Like a tree that endures strong winds
and heavy rain, resilient individuals
possess inner strength and adaptability.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
They can withstand setbacks, setbacks, and
hardships while maintaining their core stability
and finding ways to grow. Resilience, much like
the tree's ability to stand tall after the storm has
passed, empowers individuals to rise above
difficulties, learn from experiences, and emerge
stronger and more resilient than before."
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
• analogy - uses similes or metaphors to
explain a thing as being like something else.

Example: A network router is a device that

works like an airport traffic controller, keeping
network signals moving toward their
destinations, and avoiding collisions between
them.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
• origin - An explanation of where a term
comes from, who first used it, or the
circumstances in which it was first
used.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
Democracy, originating from the Greek
words 'demos' meaning 'people' and 'kratos'
meaning 'power' or 'rule,' is a system of
governance where power is vested in the
hands of the people. The concept of
democracy traces back to ancient Athens,
where citizens actively participated in
decision-making and exercised their
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
collective voice. Rooted in the belief in equal
rights and civic participation, democracy has
evolved over time and now encompasses
various forms, from representative democracies
to direct democracies. Understanding the origin
of democracy sheds light on its fundamental
principles of popular sovereignty and the
empowerment of individuals in shaping their
own governance."
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
• etymology - A more formal statement
about the language roots of a word.
Technical terms may not have actual
roots of this sort. The author explains
that they are often acronyms that are
better understood when the letters or
parts of the word are explained.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
Education, derived from the Latin word
'educare' meaning 'to lead forth' or 'to bring
up,' encompasses the process of acquiring
knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes. The
etymology of education suggests that it
involves guiding and nurturing individuals to
develop their intellectual, moral, and social
faculties. It emphasizes the role of teachers
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
and mentors in facilitating learning and
enabling individuals to reach their full
potential. Education goes beyond mere
instruction; it involves the holistic
development of individuals, enabling them to
engage critically with the world, contribute to
society, and lead fulfilling lives.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining

• Negation: defining a term by explaining

what the concept is not.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
Silence, often associated with the absence
of sound, is more than just the lack of noise.
It represents a state of tranquility, stillness,
and inner peace. Silence is not merely the
absence of speech or external disturbances,
but rather a profound inner quietude that
allows for reflection, contemplation, and
introspection. It is a deliberate choice to
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
withdraw from the cacophony of the world,
offering an opportunity for deep listening,
self-discovery, and connection with one's
thoughts and emotions. In this negation of
external noise, silence reveals its
transformative power, providing space for
clarity, creativity, and profound insights.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining

• Evoking the senses: using a word that

creates a picture in the reader's mind so
that the reader might relate through the
memory of sound, sight, touch, hearing,
or smell.
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
Chocolate, a delectable confection derived
from cocoa beans, is a sensory delight that
evokes a symphony of flavors, aromas, and
textures. When you take a bite of high-
quality chocolate, your taste buds are
awakened by its rich and velvety
sweetness. The smooth and creamy texture
tantalizes your sense of touch as it melts on
TECHNIQUES WHEN defining
your tongue. The aroma of chocolate wafts
through the air, teasing your olfactory senses
with its warm, comforting scent. Each bite of
chocolate creates a multisensory experience,
engaging your taste, touch, and smell in a
harmonious dance. Beyond its delectable taste,
chocolate has the remarkable ability to evoke
pleasure, happiness, and indulgence, making it
a beloved treat enjoyed by many."
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS

• Definition fallacies are errors a

technical writer might make when
writing definitions.
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS
• too technical - The writer has not
explained plainly enough.

• too broad - The writer has not

focused on what the word means in
context.
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS
"Technological determinism is the
theoretical perspective that posits a
causal relationship between technology
and social change, wherein
technological advancements are
considered the primary drivers of
societal transformation."
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS
Revised example:

Technological determinism is the idea

that technology plays a significant role
in shaping how societies develop and
change over time.
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS

• too broad - The writer has not

focused on what the word means in
context.
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS
Music is any form of sound or organized
sound that elicits an emotional or aesthetic
response.

Revised example: "Music is a form of artistic

expression that combines rhythm, melody,
and harmony to create pleasing or
meaningful auditory experiences."
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS

• too narrow - The writer has not given

a definition that is general enough that
the reader might recognize other cases
of the thing being defined.
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS

Democracy is a system of government

where citizens directly participate in
decision-making through voting.
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS
Revised example:
Democracy is a system of government
where power is vested in the people, who
exercise their authority through voting and
participation in political processes, either
directly or through elected
representatives.
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS
• circular - Typically, the writer has
defined a phrase using one of the
words in the phrase or defined a word
using another form of the same word.

Courage is the quality of being brave or

displaying bravery.
COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINITIONS