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Classifications of Definition according to Purpose
1 Lexical or Reportive Definition
It simply reports the way in which a term is already
used within a language community. The purpose here is
to inform someone else of the accepted meaning of the
term. This means that this definition involves three
persons:
The definer who is explaining the meaning of the word
The hearer to whom the meaning is defined
The group of people or the language community using
the word and giving its meaning.
Example: the word car means a wheeled vehicle used
for conveyance of passengers.
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2. Stipulative definition
It freely assigns meaning to a completely new
term, creating a usage that has not previously
existed. It involves only two persons:
3. Precising Definition
It is used for the purpose of eliminating ambiguity or
vagueness.
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4. Persuasive definition
It is an attempt to attach an emotive meaning to the use
of a term.
Example: logic is the study of the means by which to
win an argument.
5. Theoretical definition
It is constructed in the light of certain physical
theories.
Example: Water is a certain cluster of properties
(e.g. liquidity, transparency, non-acidity, non-
causticity, etc) that occur together.
But it is important to note that theories are not
constant.
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Methods of Definitions
Denotative method defines a term by
identifying the extensions or objects the
definiendum signifies.
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1. The denotative method of definition
1.1 Definition by description
Descriptive definition lists the different material
descriptions being ascribed to a certain word.
Example: house is a building with receiving parlor,
bedroom, dining hall, etc.
1.2 Definition by example/enumeration
Definition by example simply points out examples
associated with the word
defined.
Example: a school is NDKC, CMC, CDK,
USM, etc.
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1.3 Definition by ostension
This method consists of presenting, pointing, or
demonstrating a concrete object which the term
implies.
Ex. that is a table, this is a pen
2. Connotative definition
2.1 definition by synonyms
Ex. House- residence
2.2 definition by analysis
Definition by analysis is defining by genus and
specific difference.
Ex. Man is a rational animal.
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Rules of good connotative definition:
1. Focus on essential attributes:
Ex. Man is rational animal
Rational animal is man.
2. Avoid circularity
Ex. A pornographic book is a book that contains pornography.
3. Capture the exact or precise extension
Ex. A bird is a warm blooded animal.
4. Avoid figurative or obscure language.
Ex. Love is a many splendored thing.
5. Be affirmative rather than negative.
Ex. Inexpensive means that which is not expensive. 10