DICTIONARY DEFINITIONS

Dictionary definitions
 Explain the potential meaning of words which is to be specified in
context when the word is used in communication
 Analythical definitions – categorize the class of items the word refers
to and then distinguish it from the other members of the class
o phrase definitions use as head elements a word corresponding to the
wordclass of the word which is being explained
book – a written text that can be published in written or electronic form
play – to take part in a game or other organised activity
o sentence definitions are more appropriate for learnes dictionaries and they
seem to convey a teacherʼs voice
A book is a written text that you can publish in written or electronic form.
When you play, especially as a child, you spend time doing and enjoyable
and entertaining activity.
 Definitions using synonyms and antonyms
slow – not quick actually – really
Task – Meaning relations in dictionary definitions
What sense relations (e.g. Synonyms, antonyms, hyponyms, meronyms) can
you find in the dictionary definitions below (consider relations between the
citation form and words in the definition)

dictionary
a reference book that contains words listed in alphabetical order and that
gives information about the words' meanings, forms, pronunciations, etc.
sing
to produce musical tones by means of the voice
horse
a large animal that is used for riding and for carrying and pulling things
mother
a female parent
fast
quick; moving or able to move quickly
Textbook activity
 How can definitions go wrong? (1)
1) Obscurity – when the meaning of the word in explained
 in terms of more lexical items
take: accept and receive possession of
 by words in a semi-metaphorical meaning
find: to come upon by chance
 by the use of unusual phrases
gather: to bring together in one company or aggregate
 in terms of scientific definitions
air: a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen and other gases which surrounds the
earth and forms its atmosphere
2) Circularity – when the meaning of one word is explained recurring to
another word, which is in turn explained with reference to the first (within the
definition or the dictionary)
demand: ask for as authority or claim as a right
claim: to demand by or as by virtue of a right
 How can definitions go wrong? (2)
3) Superfluous components – the definition comprises a component
which may be removed without affecting the explicitness of the
definition
weapon: an instrument of offensive or defensive combat; something to
fight with
4) Accuracy – concerns the level of accuracy of a definition
 inaccuracy occurs when a definition is too broad, i.e. it may cover the
whole range of use of the word itself and more besides
cashier: person in charge of cash
 or when the definition is too narrow, i.e. it does not account for the
possible uses of a word
appointment: a time you have arranged to go and see someone
Textbook activity
 Tasks
1) Consider the following definitions of English words, and assess them on the
criteria of circularity, obscurity, and descriptive adequacy. Can you suggest any
improvement in these definitions?
courageous: brave
bold: courageous
brave: able to face and endure danger and pain

2) Consider the following definitions for the verb chase and related words (ignore
figurative/metaphorical uses). Comment on them from the point of view of:
a) how well they avoid obscurity and circularity
b) the descriptive adequacy of the definitions for chase and pursue.
Can you suggest any improvement in these definitions?
chase: to pursue in order to seize, overtake, capture, kill etc.
pursue: to follow with a view to overtake, capture, kill etc.
follow: to go or come after; move behind in the same direction
 Homework task

Go through a recent edition of a major monolingual language

dictionary and find two examples of each of the following.
a) a group of definitions which are circular
b) a definition of a common word which includes
scientific/technical knowledge
c) a definition which is too broad or too narrow