Understanding Definitions and Terms

The secondary meaning of a word and not necessarily included in the dictionary.

• Connotation

• Denotation

• Etymology

• Explication

A pattern of paragraph development which gives meaning to an unfamiliar term either by stating what it is not or by giving its characteristics.

• Narration

• Description

• Definition

• Comparison and Contrast

It is when the idea is developed by giving more characteristics to the term being defined. This may be a further description or a further use of the term.

• Explication

• Citing more differentiae

• Exemplification

• Function

A method in definition where an idea is developed by the explanation of the terms contained in the one sentence definition.

• Explication

• Exemplification

• Etymology

• Differentiae

Gymnosperm is a word derived from the words “gymnos” meaning “uncovered” and “sperma” meaning “seed.” What method is used in defining the term gymnosperm?

• By etymology

• Exemplification

• Definition

• Connotative

• Explication