Here are a few recommendations to keep in mind when writing a definition essay:

Pick a term that you’d like to define and let your readers know what it is. Make sure it is disputable and
complex. Don’t define the terms you’re unfamiliar with. For example, if you’ve never heard the term
“indefatigable,” your understanding of it will appear limited. Without any prior understanding of the
term, you won’t know if your definition actually works for it.

Check the definition given in a dictionary. You’re not going to use it in your essay, but you have to
familiarize yourself with what the official sources say. Then you’ll compare it with the way you
understand the term. For instance, one definition of “love” by Merriam-Webster is “strong affection for
another arising out of kinship or personal ties.” Your own understanding of the concept might include
more information of a different nature.

Write an outline. A standard five-paragraph definition essay will comprise the intro, the body (three
paragraphs, as a rule), and the conclusion.

Present the issue/term/word in the intro of your essay. Begin your opening part with the “hook” to
make your target readers curious about what is going to happen next. Plus, give background details to
help them better understand the idea or concept.

In the body, give information about the issue/term. Together with your description of it, provide
historical info about the term’s origin/evolution, as well as the most common cases in which it is
typically used.

Restate the main points of the essay in the conclusion. Be careful, and don’t repeat every single word
you said in the body paragraphs. Just “echo” your key points by summarizing everything included in the
middle part.

Inform your readers on the part that the term you define plays in your life and share your personal
experiences with it. Your final marks should be memorable and contain CTA, if possible.