proposals and definitions discussions

Writing definitions CLARIFYING DIFFICULT CONCEPTS FOR YOUR READER

Parenthetical definitions

 Short phrases that clarify meaning for a term, process or concept

 Give passing familiarity with what it is  Not a comprehensive definition  Commonly set off by parentheses or

commas within the sentence

 Begin with the core of parenthetical definition – (an X is a Y)

 Expands on parenthetical with complete sentence

 Always contains the term, but also gives a category and then characteristics that distinguish it

 X is a Y that has the following characteristics

Sentence definitions

Extended definitions

 Expands on a sentence definition  Establishes a category and

distinguishing characteristics and elaborates on them

 How to distinguish the concept from others

 Generally one or more paragraphs long, or even pages long

Exemplification or examples

 One way is to start with a sentence definition, and clarify, expand upon the distinguishing characteristics by providing examples of them

Partitioning

 Break the term into parts like you would with a document’s organization

 This helps readers see parts within the whole

Comparison

 Compare a new term to a familiar term  This can be done with an analogy or

metaphor  Use a term that most readers

understand to compare it with to aid understanding

Graphics

 Pictures, diagrams, illustrations can provide clarification on difficult concepts or terms

Definitions help create clarity

 Type will be determined as needed by complexity of term

 Aids understanding and promotes success of your document