1. The Definition Essay
Bethany Robinson

2. When Using Definition:
• Explain the meaning of a term or concept in
order to shed new light on it
– The purpose is to show readers a new way of
looking at a concept.
• Can sometimes have goal of changing attitude.

3. How to Use It
• Stipulated definition:
– Uses highly personal definition of a word
– Asks readers to agree to this “spin” on a term’s
meaning
• Extended definition
– Entire essay is devoted to exploring the meaning
of a term or concept
– Also usually used to show reader a new way of
looking at something

4. Focus
• Usually objective or subjective
– Objective: seeks to inform reader; usually doesn’t
contain the preferences or opinion of the writer
– Subjective: represents the writer’s personal
definition of a term or concept
– Rarely is a definition completely objective or completely
subjective; the focus is more on one than the other.

5. When Writing the Essay…
• Choose a topic
– Think about purpose
– Avoid something that is too large or too vague
– Consider what reader already knows and what will
interest them
• Prewrite
– Think about what you are trying to define
– Explore different ways to define it

6. When Writing the Essay…(Cont.)
• Organize
– Be logical and balanced
• Draft
– Write a rough version of your essay that can be
edited and rewritten

7. When Writing the Essay… (Cont.)
• Use brief definitions
– Don’t define too broadly
– Don’t define too narrowly
– Don’t use circular definitions
– Don’t omit the category or type

8. When Writing the Essay… (Cont.)
• Use negative definitions
– Sometimes, defining something by what it is not is
more effective than merely defining what it is.

9. The Task of Negro Womanhood
• What is being defined?
• How is the subject defined in terms of race?
• Does this new definition enlighten the reader?
• What do the internal definitions say about the
subject?