1. Tactics and Types of Definitions

2. Standard definitions  Universal and rarely subject to change. The words mammal, virus, piston, turbine, and tornado have specific meanings accepted by experts around the world.

3. Stipulative Definitions May either give the meaning that the term bears in general use or that which the speaker intends to impose upon it for the purpose of his or her discourse. They prescribe a new meaning either to a term already in use or to a new term.  For the purposes of argument, we will define a "student" to be "a person under 18 enrolled in a local school."

4. Synonym Present a word that your reader already knows that will help to define your term. Example: Hierarchy – Order of management

5. Negation Present the reader with all of the things your term does not include. Show the limitations of your term. Example: A vegetarian is not necessarily a vegan.

6. Qualifying definitions ll imit the meanings of abstract subjects. CC oncepts such as slander, obesity, disability, sexual harassment resist easy explanation. When does a witty remark become slander? How much weight does one have to gain before becoming obese? How severe does a back injury have to be before an employee is deemed disabled? When does a manager or co-worker's comments cross the line from being simply crude or boorish to being sexual harassment?

7. Figurative Language Similes and metaphors Example: Eating meat is like taking away the life of a small child from its mother.

8. Genus/Difference (Intensional definition) What category does your term fall under? What makes your term different? Example: Triangle Genus- plane figure Differentia – three straight sides

9. Extensional definitions specifies its extension, for example a list naming every object that is a member of a specific set. Example: High School Principal Intensional definition: highest leader in each individual high school Extensional definition: a list of all of the high school principals in the county

10. Social Context What situation or social setting would be appropriate for your term?

11. Evolving definitions Change over time, often reflecting changes in social values, community standards, government policies, or scientific research. Child abuse now describes behavior such as corporal punishment that was once accepted as routine discipline by parents and teachers. Mental retardation reflects a more compassionate and understanding view of people once defined as feeble minded

12. Cultural Definitions Behavior that is acceptable in one nation may be defined as a crime in another country. One religion may view gambling as a pastime while another may condemn it as a sin. Paying money to a public official for services rendered may be a customary tribute in one nation and an illegal bribe in another.

13. Etymology Where does the word come from? Take the word apart and show its root. Example: Perfume The word "Perfume" derives from the Latin "per- fumum" meaning "through smoke." The name alludes to the early practice of releasing pleasant odors from fragrant materials by heat or burning.

14. Description Use sights, sounds, and smells that help the reader to understand your term. Example: A cinnamon bun is oval in shape, with a sugary glaze coating, and a strong spice scent.

15. Parts/Process What are the parts that help define your term? What procedure requires the use of your term?

16. Some of the limitations of definitions Any comprehensive list of definitions must either be circular or leave some terms undefined. It is not always possible to state a definition for every single term; rather one must imply to try to understand the use of the term.

17. The End