11 Techniques Of Extended Definition

Techniques of Extended Definition

As our readings indicate, definition can begin with a synonym, a brief phrase, or a formal sentence that explains the term/field in its most basic form. But this assignment requires you to write an extended definition using the tactics of definition. The techniques you use will depend on what is appropriate for audience and subject matter. These techniques are listed below:

1. Etymology – explaining origin of the word itself
2. History – if relevant, discussing the history of the term/its use/controversies associated with it
3. Cause and Effect – discussing how the situation came about and what effects it may have
4. Description – listing and defining the component parts
5. Principles of Operation – discussing how topic in question functions, including any special materials or conditions required
6. Classification - showing how the topic fits into a larger category
7. Contrast/Negation – showing how the topic differs from others in the same class
8. Comparison – showing how the topic is similar to others in the class
9. Analogy – explaining by comparing two dissimilar topics, where the second is familiar to the audience
10. Examples
11. Illustrations

For further discussion of these specific techniques, see the presentation linked here Links to an external site..