1. WHAT IS A DEFINITION
ESSAY AND HOW TO
WRITE IT

2. A DEFINITION ESSAY is an essay that
explains thoroughly what a term or a
concept means.

3. The topic is usually an abstract term
such as fear, love, pariotism,
passion…

4. Tip:
When writing a definition essay do not
choose simple terms, that are easy to
describe such as: house, tree, boat..
Instead choose complex abstract terms
that you can explore from different
angles.

5. These kind of terms depend mostly on a writer’s
point of view.

6. HOW TO WRITE A DEFINITION ESSAY
Writing a good definition essay is not easy. Before you start make sure you:
-understand the term you plan to write about
-the dictionary definition of the term
-can explain the term in your own words
-can limit the term (example: if you want to write about “fear”, you can limit it to
“irrational fear”)

7. WHEN WRITING A DEFINITION ESSAY KEEP IN MIND THAT
ONE SHOULD BE:
- Effective
- Explanatory
- Precise
- Accurate
- Based on facts
- Useful
- Interesting

8. DEFINITION ESSAY STRUCTURE
1. Introduction
Precise thesis statement - what is your topic
Identify the term being described - brief basic
definition
Tell your reader what your essay will be discussing
*Note that the most important thing about writing a
definition essay is choosing the right topic

9. Tip:
Describe the origin and
history of the word –
where it came from and
how it was created.
Separate words in parts if
possible and analyze them
separately.

10. DEFINITION ESSAY STRUCTURE
2. Body paragraphs
Create a thorough definition in your own words.
Define the term in several ways:
a) By function
b) By structure
c) By analysis
d) By opposite meaning

11. Defining the term by FUNCTION
If possible explain how something
works or what something does.
example: “courage”
Courage makes you do things that you
are affraid of.

12. Defining the term by STRUCTURE
Explain how something is put together or
organized
Example: “success”
Success is made of small
accomplishments, persistence, strong will
and hard work.

13. Defining the term by ANALYSIS
Explain what makes the term you are descibing different, unique in comparison to others in
that class.
Example: “Bengal cat”
Bengal cat is domestic cat that looks like a wild cat such is leopard; unlike other cats they love
water and they can jump over 4 feet from the ground.

14. Defining the term by OPPOSITE MEANING
Explain what the term does not mean, describe the
opposite meaning of the term if possible.
Example: “hate”
When describing the term “love”
Note: In definition essay writing, defining the term from various
aspects is crucial.

15. Tip:
Use examples to bring the term closer
to your readers.
Writing definition essays often means
providing examples from your life so
readers could understand the term
better from your point of view.

16. DEFINITION ESSAY STRUCTURE
3. Conclusion
-Summarize main points of the essay
-Write a conclusion of a definition essay in a way you relate your
experience with the term

17. Tip:
Seek various sources when
researching how to write a
definition essay. Do not rely
only on one opinion.

18. Writing DEFINITION ESSAYS
demands time, knowledge,
energy, comittment and
patience.

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