INTRODUCTION

Definition is a crucial aspect of language that helps us understand the

meaning of words, concepts, and ideas. It allows us to communicate
effectively by providing clear explanations and establishing a common
understanding among individuals. In this introduction, we will explore the
meaning, types, and purpose of definition, as well as the techniques and
criteria used in creating lexical definitions.Definition refers to the process
of describing or explaining the nature, essence, or characteristics of a
particular word, concept, or idea.There are various types of definitions,
including lexical definitions, stipulative definitions, precising definitions,
and theoretical definitions.The purpose of definition is to establish clarity,
precision, and understanding of a word or concept within a given context.
It helps to avoid ambiguity and enhance effective. So on this paper we’re
going to see about those which written above and also about the
techniques of definition and criteria for lexical definition

Meaning of definition

Definition is the act of providing a clear and precise explanation or

description of the meaning of a word, term, or concept. It involves stating
the essential characteristics or features that distinguish the thing being
defined from other things. Definitions are important in philosophy as they
help to establish a common understanding and enable us to analyze and
discuss concepts in a systematic and coherent manner.

Types and techniques of definition

1. stipulative definition is a type of definition where a new or specific

meaning is assigned to a word or term. Its purpose is to establish a
unique or specialized meaning for a word or term in a particular
context or field. Stipulative definitions are often used in scientific,
technical, or specialized disciplines to clarify concepts or
terminology that may have multiple meanings or interpretations.
Example of a stipulative definition:
Term: "Zoodle"
Stipulative Definition: "A zoodle is a spiralized vegetable noodle
made from zucchini or other similar vegetables, commonly used as
a healthy alternative to traditional pasta."
2. The lexical definition is a type of definition that explains the
meaning of a word or term by providing its most basic, essential,
and commonly understood sense. Its purpose is to clarify the
understanding of a word or term by providing a concise and clear
explanation. The lexical definition aims to establish a common
understanding and usage of a word or term within a particular
language or community. It helps to avoid confusion and promotes
 effective communication by providing a standard reference point for
the meaning of words. An example of a lexical definition is the
definition of the word "dog" as a domesticated carnivorous mammal
that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-
retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice. This
definition highlights the key characteristics and features that are
commonly associated with the concept of a dog.
3. The precising definition is a type of definition that aims to remove
vagueness or ambiguity from a concept or term. Its purpose is to
provide a clearer and more precise understanding of the concept by
specifying its boundaries or criteria. An example of a precising
definition would be defining the term "tall" as "being above the
average height for a person of a certain age and gender." In this
example, the ordinary usage of the term "tall" is made more specific
by adding the criteria of being above average height for a certain
demographic. This helps to eliminate any ambiguity and provides a
clearer understanding of what is meant by "tall".
4. A theoretical definition is a type of definition that explains the
meaning of a concept or term by providing a theoretical framework
or set of principles. It aims to capture the essential characteristics or
features of the concept being defined.
For example, let's consider the theoretical definition of "justice." One
theoretical definition of justice could be "the fair and impartial
distribution of resources and opportunities in a society." This
definition provides a theoretical framework by highlighting the key
principles of fairness and impartiality in the context of distributing
resources and opportunities.
5. A persuasive definition is a type of definition that aims to persuade
or influence the listener or reader's opinion about a particular
concept or term. It involves using language in a way that presents a
biased or subjective view of the term, often to gain support or
promote a certain perspective.

An example of a persuasive definition is defining "capitalism" as a

system that inherently exploits workers and perpetuates income
inequality. By framing the definition in this way, the speaker or
writer is attempting to shape the audience's perception of
capitalism and steer them towards a negative view of the concept.
Techniques of definition
The Extensional (denotative) definitional
techniques
An extensional definition is one that assigns a meaning to a term by
indicating the members of the class that the definiendum denotes.
There are at least three ways of indicating the members of a class:
pointing to them (demonstrative or ostensive definitions), naming
them individually (enumerative definitions), and naming them in
groups (definitions by subclass).
1) Demonstrative (Ostensive) Definitions are probably the
most primitive form of definition. All one need know to
understand such a definition is the meaning of pointing
Such definitions may be either partial or complete,
depending on whether all or only some of the members of
the class denoted by the definiendum are pointed to.
Here are some examples:
"Chair" means this and this and this as you point to a
number of chairs, one after the other.
"Washington Monument" means that as you point to it.
2) Enumerative definitions assign a meaning to a term by
naming the members of the class the term denotes. Like
demonstrative definitions, they may also be either partial
or complete.
Example:
"Actor" means a person such as Abebe Balicha, Samsom
Taddesse, or Mahder Assefa.
Complete enumerative definitions are usually more
satisfying than partial ones because they identify the
definiendum with greater assurance. However, relatively
few classes can be completely enumerated.
3) Definition by Subclass assigns a meaning to a term by
naming subclasses of the class denoted by the term. Such
a definition, too, may be either partial or complete,
depending on whether the subclasses named, when taken
together, include all the members of the class or only
some of them. See the following examples, the first is
partial, the second is complete:"Tree" means an oak, pine,
elm, spruce, maple, and the like. "Fictional work" means a
poem, a play, a novel, or a short story

The Intentional (connotative) definitional

techniques

1) Synonymous Definition is one in which the definiens is a

single word that connotes the same attributes as the
definiendurn that the definiens is a synonym of the
word being defined
Examples:
 "Physician" means doctor.
"Observe "means see.
2) Etymological Definitions the original meaning of the
word philosophy comes from the Greek roots philo-
meaning "love" and -sophos, or "wisdom." When
someone studies philosophy they want to understand
how and why people do certain things and how to live a
good life. In other words, they want to know the
meaning of life
3) Operational Definition
Operational Definition assigns a meaning to a word by
specifying certain experimental procedures that
determine whether or not the word applies to a certain
thing
Examples:
One substance is "harder than another if and only if one
scratches the other when the two are
rubbed together.
A solution is an "acid" if and only if litmus paper turns
red when dipped into it.
4) Definition by genus and difference “One defines a term
by genus and difference by naming a genus of which
the species designated by the definiendum is a
subclass, and then naming the difference which
distinguishes it from other species of that genus.”
Dominant group may lend itself to this form of to this
form of definition
Criteria for lexical definition

Giving the function of a lexical definition, lexical definitions are what we

most frequently encounter and are what most people mean when they
speak of the "definition" of a word. Accordingly, it is appropriate that we
have a set of rules that we may use in constructing our own lexical
definitions and in evaluating the lexical definitions of others. While some
of these rules apply to the other kinds of definitions as well, the unique
functions that are served by stipulative, précising, theoretical, and
persuasive definitions prescribe different sets of criteria.

Rule 1 A Lexical Definition Should Conform to the Standards of Proper

Grammar
Rule 2 A Lexical Definition Should Convey the Essential Meaning of the
word Being defined
Rule 3 A Lexical Definition Should be Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow
rule 4: a lexical def should avoid circularity
rule 5 a lexical definition should not be negative when it can be
affirmative
rule 6 a lexical definition should avoid figurative, obscure, vague, or
ambiguous language
rule 7 a lexical definition should avoid affective terminology
rule 8 a lexical definition should indicate the context to which the
definiens pertains

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, definitions play a crucial role in philosophy as they help us

understand and communicate the meaning of concepts. They provide
clarity and precision by establishing the boundaries and characteristics of
a particular term or idea. Definitions can be categorized into different
types, including lexical, stipulative, and theoretical definitions, each
serving a specific purpose. Lexical definitions aim to capture the
commonly accepted meaning of a word, while stipulative definitions
introduce new meanings for specific contexts. Theoretical definitions, on
the other hand, are constructed within a theoretical framework to explain
complex concepts. The purpose of definition is to enhance our
understanding, facilitate communication, and establish a foundation for
further philosophical inquiry. Also we have seen about techniques of
definition s These definitions can be produced by extensional definitional
techniques, (demonstrative/ostensive. enumerative, and subclass), and
intensional definitional techniques, (synonymous, etymological,
operational, and genus and difference). Because lexical definition the
most important and common definition, it is important for it to fulfill some
standard linguistic rules.

Reflection

the purpose of definition in philosophy is to provide clarity, precision, and

a common language for philosophical discourse. Definitions enable us to
analyze, compare, and evaluate concepts, facilitating rational and logical
arguments. They play a crucial role in philosophical inquiry and contribute
to the development of a more thorough and comprehensive
understanding of the world around us. By defining terms, philosophers can
avoid ambiguity and misunderstandings that can arise from using vague
or unclear language. Definitions help to establish a shared understanding
of concepts, enabling philosophers to engage in rational and logical
arguments. They provide a starting point for philosophical inquiry and
analysis, allowing us to examine the nature, characteristics, and
relationships of various concepts.Additionally, definitions allow
philosophers to compare and contrast different ideas and theories. They
help us identify similarities and differences between concepts, enabling us
to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Definitions also assist in the
construction of coherent arguments, as they provide a solid foundation
upon which premises can be based and conclusions can be drawn

Reference

Logic and critical thinking freshman text book