RWS 1

• Definition is the process of making clear the meaning of a word or an idea in a language
• Defining involves understanding the essence of a word, an idea, a concept, or an expression
• Types of definition:

  • Denotation: primary, explicit, or literal definition of a word
  • Connotation: secondary meaning of a word
• Synonyms:

  • Single word or phrase that shares almost the same meaning with the concept being defined
  • Slang or colloquial language can also be somewhat considered under the umbrella term of synonyms
• Etymology:

  • The history of a word
  • Explains the evolution of a word or how it has come to be
• Illustration:

  • Defining something by giving examples and/or focusing on the given examples to elaborate on the concept being defined
• Function:

  • Understanding the purpose of a word or concept
  • Answers the question: What is it used for?
• Analysis:

  • Breaking down a concept into its constituent parts
  • Focusing on describing the aspects that make up a concept
• Comparison:

  • Associating the word or expression being defined with something else not necessarily synonymous with it
  • Comparison is usually used through analogy or figurative language like similes and metaphors
• Contrast:

  • Understanding how at least two similar concepts are different from each other
• Negation:

  • Defining a word or concept by explaining what it is not
• Exemplification:

  • Elaborating a topic by listing, enumerating, and giving examples
  • Includes facts, opinions, anecdotes, and details
• Persuasion:

  • Trying to convince someone
  • Involves Logos (appealing to logic), Pathos (appealing to emotions), and Ethos (appealing to credibility)
• Definition:

  • Makes clear the meaning of a word or an idea in a language
  • Understanding the essence of a word, an idea, a concept, or an expression
• Types of definition:

  • Denotation: primary, explicit, or literal definition of a word
  • Connotation: secondary meaning of a word
• Types of definition (continued):

  • Synonyms: single word or phrase that shares almost the same meaning with the concept being defined
  • Etymology: the history of a word, explaining its evolution
  • Illustration: defining something by giving examples and focusing on them to elaborate on the concept
  • Function: understanding the purpose of a word or concept
  • Analysis: breaking down a concept into its constituent parts
  • Comparison: associating the word with something else, not necessarily synonymous
  • Contrast: understanding how similar concepts are different
  • Negation: defining a word or concept by explaining what it is not
• Exemplification:

  • Elaborating a topic by listing, enumerating, and giving examples
  • Facts: generally assumed true, real, and/or existing concepts, ideas, and statements
  • Opinions: individual interpretations of people on events, situations, ideas, and/or concepts
  • Anecdotes: brief narratives within a piece of writing
  • Details: analyzing and breaking down a concept or idea into its constituent parts
• Persuasion:

  • Trying to convince someone
  • Logos: appealing to the audience's logic with facts and well-supported claims
  • Pathos: appealing to the audience's feelings and emotions
  • Ethos: appeal to credibility, being credible, reputable, and respectable as a source of information