Category or class

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WHAT IS DEFINITION?
Defi nition,
as a method of development, explores the meaning or 
signifi cance of a term.
PLACING A TERM IN ITS LARGER CLASS
The starting point for any good defi nition is to place the word into a larger 
category
or 
class.
For example, a 
trout
is a kind of fi sh; a 
doll
is a kind of toy; a 
shirt
is an 
article of clothing. Here are the fi rst four meanings of a dictionary entry for the word 
family.
placing the term into a larger 
•
class
identifying the term’s 
•
characteristics
using 
•
negation
providing 
•
examples
using 
•
extended defi nition
or 
analysis
taking a step-by-step approach to create defi nition 
•
paragraphs
studying model paragraphs to create defi nition 
•
paragraphs 
CHAPTER 
OBJECTIVES
DEVELOPING 
PARAGRAPHS: 
DEFINITION 
AND ANALYSIS
Defi nition and analysis is another method used to develop 
ideas. To avoid misunderstandings and confusion, defi nitions 
are needed for any terms that may be unfamiliar to the 
reader or that are open to different interpretations. In fact, 
defi ning terms is a part of most nonfi ction writing.
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family (fam
´
e -le, fam
´
le)
n., pl.
-lies.
Abbr.
fam.
1. The most instinctive 
fundamental social or mating group, traditionally consisting of two parents 
rearing their children. 2. One’s spouse and children. 3. A group of persons sharing 
a common ancestry: relatives, kinfolk, clan. 4. All the members of a household; 
those who share one’s domestic home.
According to this dictionary entry, the 
family
is the most basic of social groups.
Therefore, the larger category that the term 
family
can be placed into is a 
social group.
Defi ning by Class
Defi ne each of the following terms by placing it in a larger class. Keep in mind 
that when you defi ne something by 
class,
you are placing it in a larger category 
so that the reader can see where it belongs. Use the dictionary if you need 
help. An example has been done for you.
Chemistry is
 
1.
Mythology is
2.
Nylon is
3.
An amoeba is
4.
A tricycle is
5.
Cabbage is
6.
Democracy is
7.
Asbestos is
8.
A piccolo is
9.
Poetry is
10.
A university is
GIVING A TERM ITS IDENTIFYING 
CHARACTERISTICS
Once a term has been put into a larger class, the next step 
is to provide the