Definitions
Definition (noun)
1.the degree of distinctness in outline of an object, image, or sound
2. a statement of the exact meaning of a word
A word points toward a concept, which points toward a phenomenon. The phenomenon is
assumed to be real, in the sense that it exists regardless of what anyone thinks about it. In
contrast, words and concepts are said to be socially constructed, which means that their
meanings depend on social agreement and can change over time.
What is the purpose of defining a word?
To define a word is to draw conceptual boundaries around the concept to which the word
refers, so that (a) we can distinguish the concept (and the corresponding phenomenon) from
other concepts (and other phenomena) with which it might share some features, and, in this
way, (c) to improve the clarity of our thinking and communication.
How can we tell if a definition is true or false?
A definition is not necessarily true or false; rather, a definition is best viewed as more or less
useful. Just like words and concepts, definitions are mental tools invented by human beings.
As such, their value depends on how well they perform their intented function in a given
context. A definition is considered more useful if it is better at performing its function as com-
pared to its alternative.
All definitions are limited in one way or another, since any given definition of a word can only
highlight a few aspects of the corresponding concept or phenomenon, which often implies
that all of its other aspects are peripheral or less important. Moreover, as human knowledge
advances, the definitions of particular terms tend to grow and change as well. As a result, no
specific definition can be perfect or absolute. All definitions should be assumed as being provi-
sional or tentative, and therefore subject to appropriate changes if and when necessary.
How do we know that a word has been clearly defined?
When a word has been clearly defined, it will generate more or less the same idea or concep-
tion in the minds of all individuals whenever they see or hear that word. In contrast, when a
word has been poorly defined, it is likely to generate significantly different ideas or concep-
tions in the minds of different individuals upon seeing or hearing that word.
There are two main ways in which a definition can fail. (1) A definition that is too broad or too
general will capture more than what we want to include. For example, the definition of “chair”
as “a piece of furniture used for sitting” is too broad because it includes benches, sofas, and
stools in addition to chairs. (2) A definition that is too narrow or too specific will capture less
than what we intend to cover. For example, the definition of “chair” as “a piece of furniture
with four legs and a backside that is made of wood and is used as a seat for one person” is too
narrow because it excludes chairs made of metal or plastic.
When do we need to define a word?
Whenever we use a word without feeling any need to define it, we may be assuming that the
concept and phenomenon to which the word refers are obvious or self-evident or intuitively
identifiable. Such an unarticulated but implicit meaning is called an implied definition. In fact,
more than ninety-nine percent of the time, we simply rely on our audience to know what our
words mean; even when we use words that have multiple meanings, we trust that the context
will tell the reader or listener the specific meaning or sense we are trying to convey.
However, in certain situations it can become very useful or even necessary that we clearly
state what we mean by a particular word; for instance, when there is a need to educate and/or
prevent miscommunication, or when we are dealing with a contested term, or when grasping
the precise meaning of a word is critical to understanding the argument we are trying to make.
How is a Definition Like a Fishing Net?
What are the different types of definitions?
The most important types of definitions are listed below. Please note that these types are not
mutually exclusive; any given definition may belong to more than one type.
A literal definition tells us what a word signifies in itself, irrespective of how it is commonly
used. For example, the nominal definition of “peter” is rock, even though this word is typically
used as a personal name.
A real definition is a set of necessary and sufficient conditions that exactly describe a specific
instance to which a general concept is applicable. For example, “A triangle is a polygon with
three sides and three corners.”
A lexical definition is the one found in the dictionary; it refers to the sense in which most
people are currently using a given word. For example, the lexical definition of the word “nice”
is pleasant or satisfactory, even though it originally meant stupid or ignorant.
A stipulative definition is one that is explicitly assigned to a word for the purpose of argu-
ment, discussion, education, or exploration, and therefore may differ from any of its existing
definitions. For example, “In this article, I will use the word feminism in the sense of equal
rights for mean and women.”
A substantive definition is one that tries to establish what something is. For example, “A
clock is a type of mechanical or electronic device.”
A functional definition is one that describes what something does. For example, “A clock is a
device that measures and displays time.”
TEXT PREPARED BY DR. AHMED AFZAAL
