Writing A Definition Essay - Complete Guide With Examples

Definition Essay? What does that even mean? What are some good definition essay ideas?Do you just copy the definition off a dictionary and youre good to go? Well, to answer all of your questions about how to write a definition essay, start reading this complete guide. Quick Links 1.What is a Definition Essay? 2. How to Write a Definition Essay? 2.1 Choose a Word 2.2 Don’t Pick Objects to be Your Topic 2.3 Pick a Word with Multiple Meanings 2.4 Check its Literal Definition 2.5 Look for Different Perspectives 2.6 Create a Definition 3. Definition Essay Outline 3.1 Definition Essay Introduction 3.2 Definition Essay Thesis 3.3 Definition Essay Body 3.4 Definition Essay Conclusion 3.5 Definition Essay Format 4. Definition Essay Topics 5. Definition Essay Examples 5.1 Definition Essay Samples 1. What is a Definition Essay? As the name suggests, a definition essay is the kind of writing that explains a word. It requires you to come up with your own academic definition of a specific word. The definition can be concrete or abstract depending on the word. For instance, you can provide an exact definition for a table but for a term love, it isnt possible to do so. Such terms will rely on your point of view. Your definition must be detailed and well researched with supporting evidence. When choosing a word, make sure you have plenty to write about and can give the audience some additional information from a different perspective. To further explain what is a definition essay, take a look at its basic elements. 2. How to Write a Definition Essay? In this section, we will teach you how to write a definition essay and cover the steps that must be followed when writing a definition essay. 2.1 Choose a Word The first step, of course, is picking the right topic. Now, how do you know what makes a topic good? The perfect topic for a definition essay is an abstract concept that people cant find when they read a dictionary. It is essential that you have complete understanding of the term you have chosen. 2.2 Dont Pick Objects to be Your Topic Also, stay away from choosing different objects as your topic, for example, writing about objects such as table, glass, door, can be difficult. Since there isnt much to write about such topics and you wont be able to come up with a meaningful piece of writing. 2.3 Pick a Word with Multiple Meanings Try finding a word that has more than one meaning to different people; a term that would mean something else for different people. This will give you the opportunity of writing more while including your personal experience and interpreting others. 2.4 Check its Literal Definition Take help from dictionaries and encyclopedias, find the official definition of a word its origin, and if there are any theories regarding it. Along with that, you can find useful information on the internet. You can find several scholarly articles, academic essays, blogs, informative videos, etc.2.5 Look for Different Perspectives After you have established what a concept or idea means to you, it is now time to look at things from a different point of view. You can talk to your friends and family what a word means to them or what is the first thing that comes to their mind upon hearing this word, what are their feelings when hearing the word, etc. 2.6 Create a Definition The next step is using the research to come up with your own definition. To write an effective definition, consider the following pointers. Function You can define a term by explaining what it does and its mechanism. Structure Define a term by its structure and how it is organized. Analysis Define a term using analysis. Compare the term you are writing about with other members of its category. The differences are important as they make your term stand out from the rest. Negation For a term that is misunderstood or isnt used in the right context, it is good practice to explain what the term does not mean. Examples Use examples such as facts, anecdotes, images, story to help your reader form a better understanding of the term. Note: dont use examples that are against your definition. 3. Definition Essay Outline An outline is a draft of your essay, which includes the significant components of the essay. Sticking to an outline helps you stay on track and complete your essay logically. 3.1 Definition Essay Introduction In the first paragraph of your essay, reveal the term you have chosen to talk about along with its dictionary definition to provide a basis for understanding. This is beneficial when your own definition is different from the actual definition. 3.2 Definition Essay Thesis A definition essay doesnt have a typical thesis statement. It requires you to define the term in your own words without giving away the whole definition. 3.3 Definition Essay Body Here you we will fully explain the definition of the word with supporting facts and examples. The number of body paragraphs depends upon the complexity of your topic; it could be three or more. Utilize these paragraphs to investigate and present important information about the word, its history, usage, origin, context, etc. 3.4 Definition Essay Conclusion The conclusion is the part of your essay where you sum up the entire essay, no additional or new information should be introduced at this point. Leave the audience with some final thoughts explaining how the definition affected you and played a part in your life. Dont mention a story or experience that contradicts what you have written in the essay. 3.5 Definition Essay Format 4. Definition Essay Topics You cant write a good essay without an interesting topic, can you? Choosing an interesting topic is no doubt a challenging task. To make this process a little less time consuming and burdensome for you, here is a list of top definition essay topics. Why are the terms money and happiness interlinked for some people? What does love mean for different people? How do people around you describe love? What does love mean for young adults? What is happiness for different people? Philosophical meaning of happiness. How does one feel happiness? What does true love mean? Is happiness a myth? What is platonic love? 5. Definition Essay Examples It can be a pretty tricky thing to understand if you havent written a definition essay before. Before you jump right to the writing stage, it is best to read and seek help from someone elses essay on the same topic. In order to increase your understanding, check out these definition essay examples given below. 5.1 Definition Essay Samples We hope that this complete guide on how to write a definition essay was helpful and solved all of your queries. However, if you dont have the time or lack essay writing skills you can always count on 5staressays writing services. Our professional writers are known for crafting high quality term papers, english papers, argument essay or any other essays for all subjects and education levels in extremely low prices.