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When we start going to school, the instructors tell us to hunt the definitions and meanings from a dictionary. However, after stepping into professional life, this will not work. Instead, you must use your subjective viewpoints and ideas to explain and define terms. To learn more about defining things more elaborately, there is an essay type called definition essay. It aims to help the readers look beyond a simple dictionary definition, allowing for a deeper understanding of the term or concept. This blog will assit you with steps on how to write a definition essay.
In this blog, you will find:
What is a Definition Essay?
A definition essay explains a term by describing its meaning or specifying which meaning you must use when a word has multiple definitions. Some things have concrete meanings and definitions; for instance, one can define a book, a glass, and many others. However, you need a definite definition of abstract ideas and emotions. For example, love, struggle, happiness, etc., are defined differently by different people. The definitions of these terms are subjective and vary from person to person.
Unlike the dictionary definition of terms, this academic essay includes a comprehensive, well-explained, and analytical definition for the chosen idea or term.
Definition Essay Outline
Developing a structure for a definition essay serves as a blueprint, guiding you to explain the concept more effectively. The definition essay writing process follows some steps and a basic outline, just like the other essay types.
Here is a basic outline template for a definition essay to help clarify the concept:
Introduction:
The topic is defined, some background information is provided, and the thesis statement is presented in this paragraph. It also emphasizes how important it is to understand the concept. You might use negation to make clear what the phrase is and isn’t. Together with your perspective or point of view, the introduction should also include a brief standard description of the term.
Body Paragraphs:
These two or three paragraphs define the category of the term and list the qualities that make it unique within that category. They can provide descriptions, examples, and facts to clarify the term. One must organize the paragraphs using growth patterns such as cause and effect, illustration, or narrative.
Conclusion:
Each paragraph should include enough information so that readers can clearly understand each quality. The article concludes with a discussion of the statement in this line. It should also give the reader a lasting impression of the word.
A Sample Introduction for a Definition Essay?
In a world where everyone is behind the worldly achievements, material wealth, and social recognition, it seems impossible to achieve contentment. The term “contentment” may typically be defined as a simple feeling of satisfaction or pleasure. However, in a deeper context, it is pretty different from just a feeling of happiness. Contentment aims to bring a fulfilling life beyond the happiness of worldly achievements and wealth. It helps in inner peace without complaining about more enormous desires and luxuries. This essay will assist in understanding contentment in its deeper context and how it can help achieve a balanced life.
A Sample Conclusion for a Definition Essay?
As we have understood contentment in its deeper context, we can now conclude that the feeling of contentment is beyond temporary pleasure or happiness. Rather, it is a heartfelt feeling of acceptance and appreciation for one’s present situation or circumstance, leading to inner peace. By embracing our state and life circumstances, we can achieve contentment that can ultimately contribute to a contented mindset, a joyful life, and a restful state of mind. Contentment will help us focus better on what we have rather than what we lack, helping one towards a balanced life.
How to Write a Definition Essay, Step-by-Step Guide?
Writing a definition essay would contain certain steps to follow. Following these steps, you can draft your essay more effectively and efficiently. Here are six essential steps to follow:
Choose a Topic and Brainstorm:
Opt for a topic that you have enough ideas about and that people can understand easily. If your topic is broad, try narrowing it down to a single term. Furthermore, the word to be defined has to be short but should allow for various interpretations. Brainstorm and think deeply if you can write about the term or not.Research the Term:
If you still think you need more ideas to interpret your topic, you can get assistance from various sources like the internet, books, Wikipedia, or any other sources. Try using academic sources to get credible and authentic details. Try getting the historical context of the topic or try finding out its functions, structure, or analysis.Organize the Details in the Parameter of the Essay Outline:
After you have enough details and information about the topic, you can organize the scattered information into a proper structure as per the essay outline. Organize the ideas based on specific patterns of relevance. Make sure to know which details will go to the introduction part, which ones in the body paragraphs, and which ones in the conclusion.Draft Your Essay:
When you define your essay structure and outline, draft it regardless of its grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. But make sure to write things in a credible and acceptable way in terms of context.Proofread, Edit, and Revise:
After getting your first draft ready, you will have to proofread that. Correct all the grammatical, spelling, and other mistakes. Keep revising your drafts until you feel satisfied that it is good to go.Finalize the Draft:
After proofreading your essay, finalize a draft for your essay that you consider perfect. When you finalize the draft, you are good to go to present it anywhere you are aiming.
Good Topics for Definition Essay
You can write a definition essay on any abstract topic or idea. This blog brings to you abstract ideas below that you can use for practising your definition essay:
- Friendship
- Patriotism
- Life
- Arts
- Reading
- Freedom and Liberty
- Mind Chaos
- The Feeling of Fear
- Solitude
- Contentment
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