DEFINITION OF

TERMS
 INTRODUCTION
To define a term is to explain its meaning

DEFINITION

definiendum definiens
Term to be defined Defining term
 PURPOSE
1
To increase one’s vocabulary
2
To minimize/eliminate
ambiguity or vagueness
3
To set a theoretical framework
4
To influence attitudes
 TYPES OF
DEFINITIONS
1 NOMINAL
NAME Expresses what the name
means, not what the thing is
Etymological
Synonymous
Definition by description
Definition by example
Definition by illustration
Ostensive definition
1 NOMINAL
Etymological
The definition is derived from the meaning of
the original word or words from which the
definiendum is derived
Gives the origin of the word
1 NOMINAL
Synonymous
Gives the same connotation of the term
! Connotation – refers to the group of
characteristics essential to the term
1 NOMINAL
Definition by description
Provides a definition as to its physical
appearance

EXAMPLE:
tree: a living thing having roots, a single
trunk, some branches, and leaves
1 NOMINAL
Definition by example
Definition that gives an example of a
definition for a more concrete understanding
of the term to be defined
EXAMPLE:
dog: shih tzu, labrador
coffee: Nescafe, Starbucks frappuccino
1 NOMINAL
Definition by illustration
Gives a clear picture of the definiendum
through the use of illustration in order to
picture the meaning of the term
EXAMPLE:
Mathematical symbols
1 NOMINAL
Ostensive definition
Definition by simple identification
(Latin) ostendere - “to point”, “to show”
 2 REAL DEFINITION
Expresses what the thing is

Essential Non-essential
Constructed by a Definition by Definition by
genus and specific description cause
difference
Proper set of Final cause
Man is a rational characteristics,
Efficient cause
animal. set of formal
features, the Material cause
Triangle is a
properties, and Formal cause
polygon with three
origin of the
sides.
object.
RULES OF A GOOD
DEFINITION
 A GOOD DEFINITION
1 CLARITY
A definition should avoid ambiguity and
vagueness.
Must not be obscure
Must not be figurative
Happiness is a way station between too
little and too much.
 A GOOD DEFINITION
2 ADEQUACY
Must be specific
Not too broad
A square is a four-sided polygon.

Not too narrow

A woman is a married mother.
 A GOOD DEFINITION
3 POSITIVE
Must not be negative
Beautiful is not ugly.
 A GOOD DEFINITION
4 BRIEF
Must not be circular
A cookbook is a book for cooking.
A painter is a person who paints.
WELL-DEFINED OR NOT?
1)A net is the reticulated fabric
decussated at regular intervals
with interstices and intersections.
2) A lifeguard is an expert swimmer
employed to rescue bathers from
drowning.
3) A doctor is a surgeon.
WELL-DEFINED OR NOT?
4) Enemy: not a friend.

5) An illegitimate child is a child

not legitimate.

6) “Deo Gratias” literally means

“thanks to God”.
WELL-DEFINED OR NOT?
7) Philosophy means “the love of
wisdom”, which comes from the
Greek words philein and sophia.
8) A bachelor is an unmarried
male.
9) A proprietor is an owner.
10)Logic is the science of correct
reasoning.
DEFINITION OF
TERMS