EfS 161_(last updated: Fall 2003)
Instructor: Buthaina Al Othman
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Definitions
Two Types of Definition
1. Formal Definition,(FD):
A formal definition is used when we want to define a term briefly, that is to mention one characteristic for the term being defined. The type of characteristic we choose should be the most important one for the term that is defined.
Term |
Verb |
Article |
Class Word |
Relative Pronoun |
Characteristics |
Water |
is |
a |
liquid |
which |
consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. |
Gold |
is |
a |
metal |
that |
(is used) to make jewellery. |
2. Extended Definition,(ED):
An extended definition is used when more than one characteristic for a particular term is mentioned. The types of characteristics mentioned depend on the term that is being defined. (See the examples of extended definitions for Water and Gold in the table below.)
Term |
Verb |
Article |
Class Word |
Relative pronoun |
Characteristics |
|
Water |
is |
a |
liquid |
which |
Consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. It is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. It boils at 100 degrees Celsius, and freezes at 0 degrees Celsius. Water is essential for my life, and is used for cleaning and cooking. *Notice that the types of characteristics in this example are: 1) Composition 2) Physical 3) Properties 4) Use 5) Origin is not mentioned here. |
|
Gold |
is |
a |
metal |
that |
(is) rare. It is yellow in color, very heavy, and very malleable. Gold is used to make jewellery. *Notice that the types of characteristics used here are: 1) Physical 2) Properties 3) Use. 4) Other types are not mentioned here. |
©2004 Buthaina Al Othman