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Extended Definition

The document provides examples of techniques for extended definition, beginning with a basic dictionary-style definition. It then gives 11 techniques for further defining a term: (1) etymology, (2) history/background, (3) cause and effect, (4) description of component parts, (5) principles of operation, (6) classification, (7) contrast/negation, (8) comparison, (9) analogy, (10) example, and (11) illustrations. The document uses the term "arbitration" to demonstrate how each technique can be applied in a definition.

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Ahcel Ortiz Somodio
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376 views

Extended Definition

The document provides examples of techniques for extended definition, beginning with a basic dictionary-style definition. It then gives 11 techniques for further defining a term: (1) etymology, (2) history/background, (3) cause and effect, (4) description of component parts, (5) principles of operation, (6) classification, (7) contrast/negation, (8) comparison, (9) analogy, (10) example, and (11) illustrations. The document uses the term "arbitration" to demonstrate how each technique can be applied in a definition.

Uploaded by

Ahcel Ortiz Somodio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Techniques of Extended
Definition
Techniques of Extended Definition

The following slides provide examples of each of the 11 techniques of


Extended Definition.

The presentation begins with instructions on how to provide a basic,


dictionary-style definition (referred to as a Formal Sentence definition
in the McMurrey reading linked here).
Basic/Formal Definition: A Starting Place
Definiendum = genus + differentia
● The definiendum is the term or concept you are defining.

● The genus is the category or class which the definiendum is a part of.

● The differentia is the characteristic or group of characteristics that set the


definiendum apart from other members of the genus.
For example:
● A choke cherry (definiendum) is a kind of cherry (genus) distinguished by
its bitter, astringent taste that makes it inedible until it is cooked (differentia).
Basic/Formal definition
Using the example term “arbitration”

Brief phrase
third-party mediation

Definiendum = genus + differentia

Formal sentence
Arbitration (definiendum) is a legal process (genus) in which the opposite
sides in a dispute agree to abide by the settlement decision of a third party
(differentia).
Techniques/Tactics of Definition
The keys to unlocking meaning

Using the example term “arbitration”

1. Etymology
Arbitration, from the Latin for “judgment”
Tactics of Definition (cont’d)
2. History/ Background
Discuss how the use of arbitration as third-party mediation dates from the
1630s and how the practice came about

3. Cause and Effect


In the case of “arbitration,” cause and effect may be the same as the history
Tactics of Definition (cont’d)

4. Description – listing and defining the


component parts
Arbitration is conducted by a trained arbiter who sets
down the rules that the parties must abide by...

5. Principles of Operation
From AbronADR Services:
"Send the other party notice of your intent to pursue
arbitration. The Claimant (person initiating the case) sends
the Respondent a Demand Letter. This letter states the
desire to submit the dispute to arbitration either by means of
the contracts arbitration clause or by mutual consent...
Tactics of Definition (cont’d)

6. Classification - showing how the term fits into a larger


category
Arbitration is one of the alternatives to going into a formal court to settle
disputes.
Tactics of Definition (cont’d)

7. Contrast/Negation
In an arbitration proceeding, no lawyers are present.
Tactics of Definition (cont’d)

8. Comparison – showing how it is similar to others in the class


As with lawsuits or other court proceedings, the decision in an arbitration
proceeding is legally binding on the parties.
Tactics of Definition (cont’d)

9. Analogy – explaining by comparing two dissimilar topics,


where the second is familiar to the audience

An arbiter is like a referee–he or she listens to both sides and makes a


decision as to who is at fault, without the intervention of outside parties.
Tactics of Definition (cont’d)

10. Example
Arbitration was recently used to settle the dispute between the labor union
and management.
Tactics of Definition (cont’d)
11. Illustrations

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