We explain what a definition is and how to write it appropriately. In addition, we tell you how it differs from a concept.
What is a definition?
A definition It is a more or less detailed explanation of some concept, term or relationship, in which its main aspects are included and some context is also provided, in order to explain what is being talked about as clearly as possible. A definition can be short (usually the length of a proposition) or long (several sentences), and can be written in common terms or technical language.
The term “definition” is a derivative of the verb “define”, whose origins go back to Latin I will definecomposed in turn of the voices of (resultant prefix) and finire (“finish”). Hence, in principle, “define” can be understood as locating the end of something, that is, drawing the boundaries of a topic to indicate where it ends and where other topics begin. “Defining,” seen this way, consists of drawing the limits of an issue, saying where it begins and where it ends and how it is distinguished from other similar ones.
This is why many authors propose a basic formula to understand what a definition is: genus + differentiathat is, a genus close to which the thing belongs and a specific difference that distinguishes it from the rest of its category. For example, the definition of dog could be: “quadrupedal mammal that barks.” The next genus would be “mammal”, within that genus the “quadrupeds” and, finally, a specific difference with respect to the rest of the mammalian and quadrupedal animals: barking.
The definitions They are fundamental for learning and for the correct use of verbal languagesince they allow us to expand the repertoire of words used. In fact, the dictionary is a book full of definitions.
See also: Explanatory text
Difference between definition and concept
Although often used synonymously, the terms “concept” and “definition” are not the same. There is, however, a direct relationship between the two.
A concept is a mental representation (that is, an idea) that arises from the construction of a mental category for certain types of things, looking at their shared features. In other words, A concept is an abstraction that is made from the characteristics of a thing. Instead, a definition is a piece of languagethat is, a verbal construction that serves to transmit to other individuals the fundamental features that determine or distinguish a thing from the rest of its category.
That is to say: a concept can be defined when it is explained in words what it consists of. While A definition cannot exist if it does not respond to a prior conceptthat is, if it does not have a mental reference to describe its fundamental features. The differences between these two notions can be summarized as follows:
| Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
| It is a mental image formed through processes of abstraction and generalization. | It is a linguistic construction that consists of the description of the essential features of a concept. |
| It corresponds to a certain reference in the universe, whether tangible or intangible. | It corresponds to a lexical unit, that is, a piece of meaning inscribed in the language. |
| It is an abstract and essential entity, necessary for the construction of categories and learning. | It is a practical or applied element that gives meaning to the concepts of a language. |
| It is formed from reality itself. | It is formed from a previous concept. |
How is a definition made?
To make a definition in the appropriate way, the ideal is to be guided by the scheme of the proximate genus and specific differenceas follows:
- Choose the concept to define. It must be a single concept and you must know well what it refers to.
- Identify the next genus. That is, look for the broadest category of things to which it belongs: is it an animal? A person? An idea? A vehicle?
- Describe the subgenre if necessary. Detail the category to which the object belongs and the subcategory within it, if necessary: is it any animal or a type of animal? A type of person, idea or vehicle?
- Identify the specific difference. Describe the fundamental feature that differentiates the concept from the rest of the same category and subcategory: what is unique about the concept? How is he different from those like him? What is your minimum differential feature?
So, for example, the definition of “lightning” would be:
- It is a natural phenomenon.
- It is a natural electromagnetic phenomenon.
- It is produced by violent transfer of electrical charge between the atmosphere and the ground.
Therefore:
Lightning is a natural electromagnetic phenomenon, in which electrical charge is violently transferred from the atmosphere to the ground.
Continue with: Lexicon
References
- “Definition” on Wikipedia.
- “Define” in the Language Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Etymology of Define” in the Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.
