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Formal and Informal Definition

The document discusses different types of definitions. It explains that a formal definition provides the essential meaning of a word by including the term being defined, its genus or class, and differentia or distinguishing characteristics. A formal definition aims to precisely convey meaning without unnecessary words. Examples of formal definitions include defining a newspaper as "a paper that is printed and distributed usually daily or weekly and that contains news, articles or opinions, features, and advertising" and a triangle as "a plane figure that has three straight bounding sides."

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raechelle estacio
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457 views10 pages

Formal and Informal Definition

The document discusses different types of definitions. It explains that a formal definition provides the essential meaning of a word by including the term being defined, its genus or class, and differentia or distinguishing characteristics. A formal definition aims to precisely convey meaning without unnecessary words. Examples of formal definitions include defining a newspaper as "a paper that is printed and distributed usually daily or weekly and that contains news, articles or opinions, features, and advertising" and a triangle as "a plane figure that has three straight bounding sides."

Uploaded by

raechelle estacio
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is the meaning of the word

“cellphone”?
How about sofa?
Tricycle?
When we are asked for the meaning of a word,
we often resort to providing a synonym or listing
examples. While these are very helpful in
arriving at a basic understanding of words, they
are often not entirely accurate or complete.

When writing formal papers or academic


essays, formal definitions are sometimes
necessary to avoid confusion.
DEFINITION
Is a mode of paragraph development that answers the
questions: what is it? What does it mean? What are its
special features?

 The word to be defined may be an object, a concept, a


person, or a place.

Definition is important because it clarifies the meaning


of a word.
FORMAL DEFINITION
Is structured in a logical and concise pattern so that
the necessary information can be provided without
additional unnecessary words. A formal definition
includes the following:

1. The term to be defined


2. The genus – the class of object or concept to which
the term belongs
3. The differentia – the differentiating characteristics
that distinguish it from others of the class
• Newspaper (term) – a paper (genus/class) that
is printed and distributed usually daily or weekly
and that contains news, articles or opinions,
features, and advertising (differentia)
• Triangle – a plane figure that has a three
straight bounding sides.

• Square – a plane figure that has four


straight bounding lines.
Electricfan – a product of modern
technology that makes us feel freshen up
when it is too hot.

Knife – a kitchen utensil that is used to


chop or slice bread or meat.
• Any other forms of definitions that will not
fall under this pattern will be categorized
as informal definition.
•ANSWER EXERCISE 15
ON PAGE 22

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