Four Ways To Write A Definition
When introducing something that might be new to a reader, providing a definition will help clue them in on what it’s about. Unfortunately, dictionary-style definitions usually aren’t the most helpful when it comes to assisting readers towards understanding your point.
There are four main ways to write a definition:
By function. You explain what something does and how it works. By demonstrating its uses and the mechanism by which it accomplishes these ends, the reader gets a clear picture of what an object is about. Most products and job positions, for instance, are defined in this manner.
By structure. Here, you show the reader how it’s organized, arranged or put together. A hook, for instance, can be defined by structure as a piece of wire nailed to a wall.
By analysis. In this style of definition, you compare one thing to other items in the same class, highlighting their differences. These special characteristics which make an object stand out will help define it for the reader.
By negation. Instead of talking about what an object is, you begin by talking about what it isn’t in order to highlight its traits. Make sure it’s combined with a positive definition, though. Saying “a horse is not a cow” doesn’t exactly elucidate what the animal is.
Like all writing, make sure to ensure your definition’s correctness by putting it through a software for checking grammar. That way, you’ll ensure that the reader picks it up clearly and completely.