Definition

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 A.Nominal Definition

Two Types of - Having reference to a

Definition
term/name.

A.Real Definition

- Having reference to a
thing/reality.

- Definition per se.

2 Types of
Nominal
1. Etymological - defines a thing
based on a derivation of the

Definition
word.

1. Vernacular - Limits a term

based on its exclusive
meaning.
Classifications
of Real
Extrinsic Definiton - Limits a thing
according to its origin, cause or

Definition
purpose

Descriptive - Limits a thing

according to its accidental attributes
Classifications
of Real Essential - Limits a thing to its

Definition
genus

Intrinsic - Limits a thing according to

its essence/specialization
 DEFINIENDUM - The term being
defined.

Parts of a
DEFINIENS - The word which
explains/defines the property of the

Defintion
Definiendum

* Has Proximate Genus and

Specific Difference)

DENOTATA - The specific

examples of the Definiendum

Source: Jove, 2016/ Acuna 1998

 1. Avoid being circular.

Rules of a Good
2. Avoid being too broad or too
narrow.

Definition 3. Avoid being vague, obscure or

metaphorical.

4. Avoid Loaded definitions.

5. Avoid negative terms

6. State the essential attributes

 “Whereof one cannot
speak, thereof one must
passover in silence.”
Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus