Grade 10 - English - 4th Quarter

Module 3: Giving Expanded Definitions of Words

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

K - Recognize different types of definitions (formal, informal, and expanded) and their
key components.
S - Apply various techniques in constructing expanded definitions, incorporating
examples, comparisons, and historical references.
A - Develop an appreciation for the importance of clear and precise definitions in
effective communication.

What is a definition?

A definition is a statement that explains the meaning of a word, phrase, concept, or

object. It provides clarity and understanding by specifying the essential characteristics
or qualities that define the entity being described. The purpose of a definition is to
explain the meaning of a term that may be obscure or difficult. By expanding upon this
term, the word being defined could lead to a clearer understanding for the readers.

What is an expanded definition?

Expanded definition provides meaning of an idea or word that has components of both
informal and formal definitions, and is presented in a longer, paragraph format.
What is the purpose of expanded definition?

The purpose of a definition is to explain the meaning of a term which may be obscure or
difficult, by the use of terms that are commonly understood and whose meaning is
clear.

An expanded definition is one or more paragraphs that attempt to explain a complex

term. It uses a combination of formal and informal definitions. Let’s get to know the
formal and informal definitions.

A. Formal Definition of Words

One of the first things to do when you write an expanded definition is to compose the
formal sentence definition of the term you are writing about. Place it toward the
beginning of the expanded definition. It establishes the focus for the rest of the
discussion. Formal sentence definition is composed of the term being defined, the class
of object or concept to which the term belongs, and its distinguishing characteristics that
distinguish it from all others of its class. The basic form of defining terms follows 2
patterns.
Pattern 1: Term = Class + Distinguishing characteristics
Pattern 2: Class + Distinguishing characteristics = Term

Example:

Annotation of the example:

Carbohydrates- Term (term to define)

food group – Class (the general class to which it belongs)
including sugars, starches, and cellulose – Distinguishing characteristics (a
distinguishing characteristics that separates the term from the other member of the
same class)
equal sign (=) – linking or the helping verb (is, are, refer/s and denote/s)
plus sign (+) – Relative pronouns (which, that, whose, by which and the past participle
of the phrase, present participle of the phrase.

What is an formal definition of words?

It is "formal" because it uses a certain form. Take particular care when you write the
reference to the class to which the term belongs; it sets up a larger frame of reference or
context. It gives readers something familiar to associate the term with. The term may
belong to a class of tools, diseases, geological processes, electronic components; it may
be a term from the field of medicine, computer science, agriculture, reprographics, or
finance.

Avoid vague references to the class the term belongs to: for example, instead of calling a
concussion an "injury" or botulism a "medical problem," call them something more
specific like "a serious head injury" and "a severe form of food poisoning," respectively.

Example: Cancer
Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells
within the body.

B. Informal Definition of Words

In an informal definition, known words and examples are used to explain an unknown
term. The definition may include synonyms or antonyms, introduced by or, in other
words, like. It could also be stipulation, analogy, or illustration.

Example: Freedom
Freedom, also referred to as liberty or independence, is a state people reach when they
are free to think and do whatever they please.

C. Expanded Definitions of Words

It provides the meaning of an idea or word that has components of both informal and
formal definitions, but is presented in a longer, paragraph format.

The key to writing a good expanded definition is to choose the sources of definition to
help readers understand the term being defined. A checklist is provided to select the
kinds of discussion to include in your definition.

Example: Freedom with expanded definitions

Freedom is a state people reach when they are free to think and do whatever they
please. (formal definition) To our colonial forefathers, freedom meant having a voice in
their government. (historical reference) The Revolutionary War was a last resort against
an empire that continued to tax its colonists without the representation of the colonists
in Parliament. Since the United States won the right to rule itself, our country has been
referred to as "the land of the free and the home of the brave." (example) True freedom
means the ability to think, feel, say, or act however one chooses. (listing parts) It is a
state where the bars of bondage do not exist. (negation/negatives) Unfortunately, the
widening gap between the haves and have nots means that some are now shackled by
their lack of education. (evoke the senses: shackled – parenthetical definition)
Americans can attain real freedom when everyone has the same educational
opportunities.
How to make an expanded definition?

Compose a formal sentence definition of the term you are going to define. Place it
toward the beginning of the expanded definition. It establishes the focus for the rest of
the discussion.

An extended definition starts with a sentence definition, but then expands on the word
by providing additional sentences using a combination of the sources of definition as
shown in Figure 2 in the previous page and as reflected in the two examples above.

1. The extended definition requires students to define or describe something by

beginning with a formal definition.

2. Fill in the term (generally provided by the teacher) in the initial blank and then
complete the second blank with an appropriate category and the third part which is the
term’s characteristics.

Some guide questions:

○​ How does it work? (operation)

○​ What are its parts? (description)
○​ What does it look like? (description)
○​ What does it do? (process)
○​ Can it be compared to anything familiar? (comparison)
○​ How is it used? (purpose)
○​ What is its origin and background? (history)
○​ What is it not like? (comparison)

Example:

• How does it work? (operation)

• What are its parts? (description)
The life cycle has four parts: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult.
• What does it look like? (description)
It has two colorful wings, a thorax, and six legs, and an antenna.
• What does it do? (process)
It flutters from flower to flower during the day to eat nectar.
• Can it be compared to anything familiar? (comparison)
It is similar to a moth.
Task I: Definition Classification
Directions: Read the sentences below and classify each definition as formal (F),
informal (I), or expanded (E) by writing the corresponding letter on the blank.

1. ___ Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.

2. ___ Love is like a flame—it can keep you warm, but if uncontrolled, it can burn
everything down.

3. ___ Gravity is a natural force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth.

4. ___ Throughout history, gravity has been studied by scientists like Isaac Newton and
Albert Einstein, who developed theories explaining how it works. Without gravity, life
as we know it would not exist.

5. ___ Anxiety, or the feeling of extreme nervousness, can affect a person’s ability to
focus.
6. ___ Democracy is a system of government where citizens have the power to vote and
elect their leaders.

7. ___ A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs calculations
based on instructions given by users.

8. ___ A computer can be thought of as a modern-day brain, processing information at

lightning speed to solve problems.

9. ___ The invention of computers revolutionized communication, making it easier for

people to connect across the world. Without computers, modern society would function
very differently.

10. ___ Kindness is treating others with compassion and respect, even when they may
not deserve it.

Task II: Sentence Expansion

Directions: Below are sentences with basic definitions. Expand each definition by
adding an example, historical background, or comparison to create an expanded
definition. Write your responses in the space provided.

1. Innovation is the act of introducing new ideas or methods.

Expanded definition:

2. Ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things interacting in a specific

environment.
Expanded definition:

3. Courage is the ability to face fear or adversity with confidence.

Expanded definition:

What I Have Learned?

Directions: Review the lesson on giving expanded definitions of words. Then

write your reflection in your notebook by finishing up the unfinished
statements below.

I have learned that ___________________________________

I have realized that ___________________________________
I will apply ___________________________________________
Task III: Creating Your Own Expanded Definition

Directions: Choose one of the following words and write a fully developed expanded
definition in paragraph form. Make sure to include:

●​ A formal definition (clear and structured)

●​ An example or real-life application
●​ A historical background or comparison
●​ A figurative illustration or analogy

Words to choose from: Success, Trust, Responsibility, Integrity, Adaptability

Example Response:

Word: Trust
Trust is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. (Formal
definition) For instance, in friendships, trust means believing that a friend will keep secrets and
stand by your side in difficult times. (Example) Historically, trust has played a key role in
building relationships, whether in ancient trade agreements or modern business deals. Without
trust, societies would struggle to function, as people rely on one another for support and
cooperation. (Historical background) Trust is like a delicate glass—strong when handled with
care but easily shattered if broken. (Illustration)

Scoring Criteria: 10 points each.

1. Clarity & Accuracy: The definition is clear, precise, and accurate.

2. Use of Techniques: Includes all required elements (formal definition, example,
historical reference, analogy).
3. Coherence & Organization: Ideas are well-organized and flow smoothly.
4. Grammar & Mechanics: Free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Total Points: 40