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ENGLISH
QUARTER 4 – MODULE 3
MELC 3:
Give Expanded Definition of Words

English 10 – Quarter 4 – Module 3 1

What I Know
To test what you already know about expanding the definition of words, answer the pretest below. Take note
of the items that you didn’t answer correctly and gradually discover the correct answer as you go through this
module.
Identify what word is being described by the underlined word or phrase/clause. Write your answers on a
sheet of paper.

1. The rabbit stays out of the cage because it is no longer wild.

a. tamed c. undomesticated
b. savage d. beastly
2. The guava tree died because grandfather failed to give proper care and attention to it.
a. heeded c. regarded
b. neglect ed d. tended
3. Holy communion is a religious and solemn ceremony of act.
a. game c. rite
b. play d. food
4. He had a long, deep, audible exhalation expressing his sadness over the loss of his dog.
a. fear c. concern
b. smile d. sigh
5. To keep up-to-date records is absolutely necessary and extremely important for an adviser of a graduating class.
a. essential c. needless
b. unnecessary d. dispensable
6. When she went to the forest, Maria saw a hole dug as a living space by small animals.
a. burrow c. cavern
b. cave d. grotto
In the previous lesson, you learned about the technical and operational definition of words. You have
also learned the following points in making definitions: 1) provide the term to be defined; 2) identify the class
where the term belongs; 3) provide characteristics that differentiate it from other terms; and 4) provide examples
or illustrations showing how it works.
In this part of your lesson, you will be familiarizing yourself with the techniques and ways on how to
expand definition of words. This will boost your capacity and skills to write essays which are rich in vocabulary
and with clearer content. The correct use of grammar and definition in your writing such as in essays, articles, and
compositions is indeed very important to achieve effective communication.
What’s New
Having yourself familiarized with the ways and techniques in making definition of words, allow you to
expand your writing ability especially with essays and articles. This lesson will provide you a clear
understanding of what is extended definition, as well as the different techniques and proper use of extending
definition of words.
In this module you will learn the importance of coherent writing, use of transition words in extending
definition, and utilization of modifiers in extending meaning.
What Is It?
What is Extended Definition?

 An extended definition is one or more paragraphs that attempt to explain a complex term.
 Extended definition of words provide a clearer and additional information of a term or word.
 Most common way to extend definition is the use of etymology, history, etc., as well as coherence,
appositive, and adjective clause.

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 Coherent Writing

One best way to extend definition of words is the application of coherence in writing. This means that
sentences and ideas must blend that the reader will have an easy time following what the writer wants to put across.
Using the following cohesive devices will help your delivery of thoughts.
1. Repetition of key term or phrase – this helps to focus on your ideas and to keep your reader on track.
Example: The problem with contemporary art is that it is not easily understood by most people.
Contemporary art is deliberately abstract, and it means it leaves the viewer wondering what he is looking
at.
2. Synonyms – Synonyms are words that have essentially the same meaning, and they provide some variety in
your word choices, helping the reader to stay focused on the idea being discussed.
Example: Myths narrate sacred histories and explain sacred origins. These traditional narratives are, in
short, a set of beliefs that are a very real force in the lives of the people who tell them.
3. Pronouns – This, that, these, those, he, she, it, they, and we are useful pronouns for referring back for
something previously mentioned. Be sure, however, that what you are referring to is clear.
Example: When scientific experiments do not work out as expected, they are often considered failures until
some other scientists try them again. Those that work out better the second time around are the ones that
promise the most rewards.
4. Transitional words – there are many words in English that cue our readers to relationships between
sentences, joining sentences together. Examples of transitional words are however, therefore, in addition,
also, but, moreover, again, likewise, nevertheless, instead, granted, certainly, it may be the case, on the
contrary, etc. Example: I like rainy days, and yet wet season is a sad time of the year, too. The grass grow
fast and mud all around, but I can’t help thinking ahead of the sunny days and the sunshine that heats up
the land. In addition, it will be the season of joys of Christmas and that you can go anywhere without the
worry of bringing an umbrella or a raincoat.
Use of Transition Words in Extending Meaning
In order to have a clear writing, and in order to ensure unity in your paragraphs, the use of transition words
is vital. This is one way of understanding the extended meaning of words and ideas in your writing.
PURPOSE TRANSITION WORDS SAMPLE SENTENCES

Addition And, also, in addition, in other In addition, ASEAN 2015 will lead to economic growth and
words, again, moreover, development
furthermore
Summary as a result, finally, in other words, In conclusion, ASEAN 2015 will spur collaboration among its member
to conclude, to sum up states.

Comparison similarly, like, in comparison, Like the other member states, the Philippines is getting ready for
likewise ASEAN integration 2015.
Contrast rather than, unlike, however, but, Although the member states of the ASEAN 2015 are currently faced
on the other hand, whereas, with numerous challenges, they will eventually reap the rewards of
although, regardless, on the economic integration.
contrary

Cause or because, consequently, thus, for, The ASEAN 2015 integration will have an impact on the educational
result as a result landscape of the country. Consequently, some academic institutions
have implemented the shift in their academic calendar year.

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Activity 1a. Identify what cohesive device is used in each of the following items. Write your answer on your
answer sheet.

________________ 1. Blended learning is one mode of learning to be used by the DepEd during this time of
Covid 19 pandemic. Blended learning can use both face to face together with online
class and modular modalities.
________________ 2. Modular learning is the most useful method in delivering learning today, because giving
printed materials for learning can be an effective mode in blended learning.
________________ 3. Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet are some of the applications used today in online teaching
and learning. They are very popular and easy to use for efficient learning.
________________ 4. Although Zoom and Google Meet are very popular in online learning, to others they prefer
bSmart because it is safer than Zoom and Google Meet. Also, Zoom is considered as a malware, and so susceptible
to hacking. Moreover, bSmart is more efficient and laptop friendly.
________________ 5. Distance learning had been utilized even long before the time of computers. Distance
learning was used through correspondence so that even if a student is from other country, lessons can still be
delivered to him.

Activity 1b. Write the purpose of the transition word used in each statement below.

________________ 1. Unlike face- to- face learning, online learning requires gadgets in order to be able to
participate in class sessions.
________________ 2. To conclude, cooperative spirit remains to be high in the delivery of online learning.
________________ 3. Similarly, wifi connection is also important in online teaching.
________________ 4. The province has a high rate of Covid 19, as a result it was put back to ECQ status.
________________ 5. One safe way to prevent us from being infected with the virus is by constantly washing our
hands. Moreover, wearing of mask and face shield is also necessary.

Techniques of Extended Definition

Definition can be with synonym, a brief phrase, or a formal sentence that explains the term/field in its most basic
form. But this requires writing an extended definition using the tactics in definition. The technique to use will
depend on what is appropriate for audience and subject matter. These techniques are listed below.

1. Etymology – explaining the origin of the word itself.

Example: Pneumatology as a subject in theology is a word that derives from two Greek words, pneuma
which means “spirit” and logos which means “to study”. Pneumatology, therefore, is the study of the Holy
Spirit.
2. History – if relevant, discussing the history of the term/its use/controversies associated with it.
Example: First described in 1907 by Alos Alzheimer, a German physician, Alzheimer’s disease is an adult-
onset neurological disorder of unknown cause manifested by loss of memory.
3. Cause and effect – discussing how the situation came about and what effects it may have.
Example: The Corona virus originated in Wuhan, China sometime in the last quarter of 2019. The spread of
the virus was not contained, rather it spread all over the world due to the negligence of Chinese government.
Because of this, the Corona virus disease became pandemic.
4. Description – listing and defining the component parts.
Example: The definition of success and the average person’s perception of success can be very similar and
slightly deceiving. The Webster’s definition of success is, the attainment of popularity or profit.
5. Principles of operation – discussing how topic in a statement or question functions, including any special
materials or conditions required.
Example: The word order in a basic declarative statement, the subject comes first; it is followed by the verb,
and then by the objects and adverbial phrases, if there are any.
6. Classification – showing how the topic fits into a larger category.

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 Example: Communication is very essential in leadership and management. There are two types of
communication – the verbal communication through the use of mouth or spoken words, and non-verbal or
the use of actions (gestures).
7. Contrast/ Negation- showing how the topic differs from others in the same class
Example: Contrastive colors in a painting can create an interesting image while contrasting personalities
can spark a feud.
8. Comparison – showing how the topic is similar to others in the class.
Example: Pedro is an intelligent student in his school. Just like Juan, he always gets perfect scores in
examinations.
9. Analogy – explaining by comparing two dissimilar topics, where the second is familiar to the audience.
Example: Works of art were seen as an analogy for works of nature.
10. Examples – providing example to the word being described gives extended meaning.
Example: To others, success does not only mean popularity or profit. For example, businessmen who became
millionaires acknowledge that their success comes from hard work and perseverance.
11. Illustration- is a rhetorical style that uses examples to support the thesis or main idea of a paragraph or
essay.
Example: The philosophy of Doism is “let it be” emphasizing non-aggression or passiveness. To illustrate, a
flowing water in the river does not force a rock to roll over, rather, it smoothly go through the side or under in
order to flow.
12. Contrast/ Negation- it is the expression of turning positive into negative.
Example: You are physically present but mentally absent, Miss Brion!

What’s More
Modifier as an Extended Meaning
Another way to provide an extended meaning to a word or even a phrase is by the use of modifiers. Using
an adjective phrase is a technique in providing an extended meaning to terms which might be difficult to
understand. Unfamiliar words can be clearly comprehended with the use of extended meaning.
Observe the following sentences:

1.
During this time of pandemic, a disease prevalent over the whole world, people are required to
be quarantined in their own homes.
2.
Juan and Pedro were preparing to get off to the mountains, they packed up their gears and
climbed into the van with alacrity, cheerful promptness and quick.
3.
Because of the pandemic, the work of the teachers became gargantuan, there’s just so much
and tremendous work to do like preparing of modules and training for online teaching.
4.
The statement “We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences but less time;
multiplied our possessions but reduced our values” is a paradox, a statement that is seemingly
contradictory and yet it is perhaps true.

Activity 2: Using your dictionary, provide an extended meaning of the underlined words in order to complete the
sentence. Write your answers on your answer sheet.
1. The first five books of the Old Testament in the Scriptures of both Christianity and Judaism is the Pentateuch,
_________________________________________________________.
2. Very much popular teaching style of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry is His use of parable,
____________________________________________________.
3. The last book of the New Testament in Christianity religion is the Revelation of John which is difficult to
interpret because, in nature, it is apocalyptic,
_________________________________________________________________________.

Adjective clause to extend meaning

Adjective clause doesn’t change the basic meaning of a word or a sentence. Rather, it clarifies the writer’s intent.
Also, it provides an extended definition to a given word or term in a sentence.
Read and observe the following:
1. Pizza, which most people love, is not very healthy.
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 2. Grandfather remembers the old days when there was no television and internet.
3. Fruit that is grown organically is expensive.
4. Eco-friendly cars that run on electricity help the environment.
5. The kids who were called first will have the best chance of getting a seat.
6. I enjoy telling people about Jasmine Demaculangan, whose latest book was fantastic.
7. He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead.
(Albert Einstein)
8. Those who do not complain are never pitied. (Jane Austen)

The clauses which are underlined are adjective clauses. They are group of words that contain a subject and a verb,
and provide further description. Adjective clauses begin with relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, that, which) or
relative adverbs (where, when, why).

Activity 3. Underline the adjective clause in each of the sentences below. Remember, the key to finding the
adjectival clause in a sentence is identifying the subject pronoun.
1. His share of the money which consisted of 100,000 pesos, was given to him on Monday.
2. Something that smells bad may be rotten.
3. The books that were borrowed from class must be returned.
4. The girl who is leading the parade is my best friend.
5. Chocolate, which many people crave, increases body fat because of its too much sugar content.

Appositive used to extend meaning

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun/ any word right beside it. The appositive
can be short or long combination of words. An appositive can also serve as an extended meaning of a noun or
any word. Observe the examples below.

Examples: All of the examples rename the noun insect.

1. The insect, a cockroach, is crawling across the kitchen table.
2. The insect, a large cockroach, is crawling across the kitchen table.
3. The insect, a large cockroach with hairy legs, is crawling across the kitchen table.

Other examples
4. During the dinner conversation, Miguel, the messiest eater at the table, spewed mashed kamote like an erupting
Mayon volcano.
5. Juanito’s bedroom desk, the biggest disaster area in the house, is a collection of overdue library books, dirty plates,
computer components, cat hair, and empty chichiriya plastic bags.
6. My dad’s vintage computer, a modern day dinosaur, chews floppy disks as noisily as my brother does peanut brittle.
7. A hot-tempered basketball player, Calvin Abueva, charged the referee and tried to crack the poor man’s skull with a
punch.
8. Calvin Abueva, a hot-tempered basketball player, charged the referee and tried to crack the poor man’s skull with a
punch.

Points to note from the given examples:

1. The first three examples are all talking about an insect. The noun insect can be understood as any insect
your reader can think of. However, the writer’s description of the word insect is a cockroach. The word was
further given an extended meaning by adding some description such as “large” and “hairy”.

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 2. Examples 4, 5, & 6 described a person, a thing, and a place. The appositives provided additional description
and meaning to those nouns.

3. Examples 7 & 8 provides us understanding of the placement of an appositive. It can be placed at the
beginning of the sentence (see example 7), and at the middle of a sentence (see example 8).
4. Remember that when using appositives, punctuate them correctly with comma/s.
Assessment
Extend the definition or meaning of the given nouns by providing an appositive to complete the sentence.
1. Mr Christobal, ___________________________________________________, encouraged us to answer all
the activities given in the modules.
2. During the lockdown in March 2020, my teacher, ______________________, continued giving us lesson
through facebook messenger.