How to Write a Definition Essay (Plus Topics You Can Use and a Sample Essay)

How to Write a Definition Essay (Plus Topics You Can Use and a Sample Essay) Beginning an academic program can be an overwhelming prospect, particularly if you are uncomfortable with writing academic essays. Most programs will require multiple writing assignments on a weekly basis, with different types of essays being assigned based on the class content and professors preferences. Youll need to be able to research a topic, create an essay outline based on that research, and write the essay using your research and outline as your guides.Some essay assignments are a lot easier than others and the definition essay is one such type. A definition essay is exactly what it sounds like it should be: An essay you write to provide your reader with the definition of a word. However, its more in-depth than simply writing a dictionary definition. Youll need to be able to put the definition in your own words, as well as provide examples of how that word is used in various contexts. Youll also need to be able to discuss the connotation and denotation of the word, which are terms we will clarify below.So, lets look over some common questions academic writers have about a definition essay and clarify them.A definition essay goes beyond simply stating a words dictionary definition. Photo by Romain Vignes on UnsplashWhat is the typical length of a definition essay?Since the purpose of a definition essay is generally limited to defining one word, the length of the essay should be around 1 to 2 pages, if double-spaced. Within these paragraphs, you will cover various aspects of the definition, including how the word can be interpreted in multiple contexts and some examples of the word in a sentence.What is included in a definition essay?Although a definition essay is meant to define a word, you cant just copy the dictionary definition and be done with it. For a definition essay, youll need to use your own words to define the term, including its connotation and denotation. Putting the definition in your own words makes your definition essay more interesting t o your reader, who could just look the word up in the dictionary if all theyre interested in is a dictionary definition.Dictionaries also dont include multiple examples of the word used in context, so adding this element to your definition essay makes it more interested for your reader, allowing them to learn something they might not otherwise learn.What is the difference between connotation and denotation?Obviously, in order to include these within your definition essay, you need to understand the difference between the two. Below, we cover the definitions of connotation and denotation, as well as offer some examples of how this terminology applies to vocabulary words.ConnotationAccording to Merriam-Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connotation), the connotation of a word is:1a. something suggested or implied by a word or thing; 1b. the suggesting of a meaning by a word apart from the thing it explicitly names or describesDenotationAccording to Merriam-Webster, th e denotation of a word is:1a. A direct specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated ideaConnotation vs. denotationSo, when looking at the difference between the two, you have to consider how the English language contains words that have both a literal and implied meaning. For example, when we look at the word home, we can consider its literal definition (or denotation), which is a building that is someones (or a familys) living space.However, when we consider its metaphorical meaning, we think of home as a place of security and comfort, such as this place feels like home. In this sense, we are using the words connotation instead of its denotation, or literal meaning.How should I outline my definition essay?Even though your definition essay will be around a page or two, at most, in length, youll still need to follow a typical essay outline when writing it. A typical essay outline includes the introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Thus, your definition e ssay outline might look something like this:IntroductionMention the purpose of the essay (which is to define the term)A thesis statement that covers both the connotation and denotation of the term (in your own words)Body para 1The origin of the term and other etymological information the reader might find interestingBody para 2The denotation of the term (in your own words)Offer examplesBody para 3The connotation of the term (in your own words)Offer examplesConclusionA brief restatement of the definition of the termAdditional information about the term your reader would find interestingWhat are some possible definition essay topics?If youre given the opportunity to determine your own topic for the definition essay assignment, its a good idea to pick a term that you are familiar with, can define in your own words, and can discuss at length. Here are some ideas:How do you define world peace?What is your definition of family?What does the word ego mean to you?What is social media and ho w is it best defined?Define nanotechnologyWhat is depression?What is your definition of a hero?How would you define a successful career?What is a team player and how would you define one?Define Capitalism and what it means to you.Sample definition essayBelow is a sample definition essay for the word love. Since many terms have several possible definitions and connotations, for a more interesting definition essay, try to choose a word that is not easily defined.Sample EssayThe word love is used in various contexts and can mean different things to different people. There are also different types of love that are referred to in Ancient Greek writing that span everything from unconditional love to obsessive love. This essay will take a look at the meaning of the wordâ€"both its denotation and connotationâ€"and explore some examples of how the word might be used in context.With Germanic origins, the word love comes from the Old English lufu. The root is a mix of Indo-European words, incl uding the Sanskrit word lubhyati, which means desires, the Latin word libet, which means it is pleasing, and the Latin word libido, which means desire.Merriam-Webster online offers several definitions of the word. Love can be a strong affection for another person based on familial or sexual ties. It can also be an attachment or devotion to an object or person. Thus, the denotation of the word love is an extreme affection or attachment to another based on shared history, family connection, or intimacy. In this sense, one might say: I love my wife and want whats best for her.The word love could hold various connotations for someone, depending on their experience with the emotion. For some, love might be a goal in a relationship or a feeling that is intensely intimate and important. For others, love could be something to avoid to keep from getting hurt or opening ones self up to potential betrayal. Beyond these associations, the word love can also be used when referring to an object or activity that one values or enjoys. For example, I love going on walks by the beach or I love the architecture on this building are ways the word love could be used in a sentence to show an affinity for an activity or object.The Ancient Greeks believed that there were different types of love and labeled them based on the various emotions that one might feel toward another. For them, love was divided into: Agape (unconditional love), Eros (romantic love), Philia (affectionate love), Philautia (self-love), Storge (familiar love), Pragma (enduring love), Ludus (playful love), and Mania (obsessive love).Ultimately, the word love can mean different things depending on context and the speakers association with the word. While its most common definition refers to a close tie and intimacy with another person, it can also be used in reference to an affinity for an object or activity. In this situation, its often used as synonymous with the words like or enjoy instead of referring to a close , intimate connection or feeling for another person.