Lesson 4:

English for Academic and Professional Purposes

 At the end of the lesson,
the students should be
able to:
1 2 3
Define the Determine the Write your own
word meaning of word definition for
in different ways certain words
“definition”
• Is a mode of paragraph
development that answers the
questions.
• The word to be defined maybe
an object, a concept, a person, a
place or a phenomenon.
•It is important because it
clarifies the meaning of a
word or a concept and it also
limits the scope of that
particular word or concept.
1. Formal Definition – you define
the term by giving the class where
the word/term belongs (the genus)
and the characteristics that
distinguish the term from other
terms, known as the differentia.
Genus
“Existing
definition”
 Genus
• a Genus (or family): An existing
definition that serves as a portion of the
new definition; giving the class where the
word/term belongs.
Genus Differentia
“Existing “Definition that
definition” is not provided
by the genus”
 Differentia
• the Differentia: The portion of the
definition that is not provided by the
genus; characteristics that distinguish the
term from other terms.
Example- term/word: Democracy
Definition 1: a form of government in which
people choose leaders by voting

Definition 2: an organization or situation in

which everyone is treated equally and has
equal rights
Example- term/word: Definition

Genus: a mode of paragraph development

Differentia: that answers the questions:
What is it, what does it mean, or what is its
special features
2. Extended Definition – is
needed to define abstract
concepts. It allows you to broaden
your definition by using analogy,
metaphors, comparison and
contrast, descriptions, analysis,
functions, etymology and
semantic origin.
Extended Definition
a. Definition by etymology –
origin of the word
 Extended Definition
a. Definition by etymology – origin of the word
Example - term/word: Democracy
Etymology: The term originates from the Greek –
demokratia “rule of the people” which was coined
from – demos “people” and kratos “power” or “rule”.
 Extended Definition
b. Definition by Synonyms – using a similar
word or phrase to define a word.
Example - term/word: Democracy
Synonym: republic
 Extended Definition
c. Definition by Antonyms – using an
opposite word or phrase to define a word.
Example - term/word: Democracy
Antonym: aristokratia – rule of an elite
Extended Definition
d. Definition by Function –
stating what the term is for.
 Extended Definition
Examples:
Fork – an implement with two or more prongs used
especially for taking up (as in eating), pitching or
digging

Gauntlet – a glove worn with medieval armor to

protect the hand.
 Extended Definition
e. Definition by Analogy – comparing the term
to another object/concept or idea that shares
the same characteristics as the term being
defined.
 Extended Definition
Examples:
Love – is like a rosary, full of mystery.
Sun – A celestial body like the star.
Beak – a mouth-like body part of a
bird or insect.
 Extended Definition
f. Definition by comparison and contrast
Bus – Vehicle like a jeepney that can be used for longer trips but
can accommodate more passengers. The arrangement of seats
also varies.
Laptop – A computer but is integrated into a single unit capable
of battery-powered operation.
 Extended Definition
g. Definition by negation - defining the term by stating what it is not.
Examples:
Dark – not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light.
Impossible – not possible
Invisible – not visible
Immortal – not mortal
 Definition Techniques used in
Defining
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.
Directions:
1. Look for at least ten (7) words
in the dictionary with any of the
extended definition.
2. Write the words you have
found following this format:
Word – definition
 3. Annotate specific parts of the
word’s definition with the
following
• FORMAL DEFINITION - YELLOW
• EXTENDED DEFINITION – GREEN (INDICATE
THE TYPE OF EXTENDED DEFINITION AT
THE END OF EVERY DEFINITION).
• GENUS – ENCIRCLE
• DIFFERENTIA – UNDERLINE