ENG 105 - Definition (Essential and Extended)

Remember - Essential definitions demand a few things of us: an item (the term to be defined); a broad category (that the term can be classified under); and distinguishing features or characteristics (what separates this term from other members of the broad category).

Be sure to avoid the following common errors in essential definitions:
Circular definition - We cannot use the word we are defining in the definition.
Overly broad definition - Avoid leaving out characteristics that separate the item from others.
Overly narrow definition - Avoid adding so many characteristics that items that apply no longer fit using your final definition.
Omission of broad category - Avoid saying: The term 'is when/is where'. Without the broad category, the reader has no reference for your definition.

When writing extended definitions, remember to illustrate. Give examples that show how the item or term you are defining is different from other members of the broad category. Think (if applicable) about the etymology or origin of your term/item - discuss. A useful tactic sometimes is to use antonymy or negation. Spend some time showing your reader what your term/item is NOT rather than what it IS.

Check out this resource for some more info:
http://ksdl.ksbe.edu/writingresource/definition.html