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English Grade 10
Module 4 Quarter 4

Giving Expanded Definition of Words

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 SELF LEARNING MODULE
I. Expanded Definition of a Word
This self-learning module was crafted with a simplified arrangement in such a manner that
you can work on it independently.
The lessons embedded here are offshoot from the competencies embedded in the prescribed
Most Essential Learning Competencies. Hence, you may use our existing textbook in Grade 10,
Celebrating Diversity Through World Literature English 10. You may also refer to the cited references
here or you look for other learning resources for you to successfully get through each phase of this
module.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Get familiar with the expanded/extended definition of a word.
2. Identify the techniques in writing an extended definition of a word.
3. Give expanded/extended definition of words.
4. Observe correct grammar in making definitions.

II. Concept Notes

Checking and using the meaning of a word in a dictionary is a relatively easy task. The real
problem for writers -- in fact, for anyone who thinks whether he writes or not -- is how to develop a
definition. Often enough, conventional definitions (those recorded in dictionaries) are simply
inadequate. New ideas and concepts or new perspectives an old ideas and concepts require that
new definitions be developed.

There are three types of definitions commonly used in technical writing:

• Parenthetical definitions
• Sentence definitions
• Extended definitions

The type of definition you choose for your document will depend on the word being defined and
the overall purpose of the document.

Parenthetical definitions are words that quickly explain a term and are included within the same
sentence as the word being defined. These informal definitions can be a synonym or a short
phrase. The definition will be placed in parentheses immediately following the word being defined.

Sentence definitions are an explanation of a word using one sentence. These are more formal
explanations than parenthetical definitions. Sentence definitions follow a similar form, which
includes:

• The word being defined

• The class to which the word belongs
• The feature that distinguishes the term from other words

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Although sentence definitions provide more specific details to define a word, there are times in
technical writing when the term is so important to the document or so complex in its meaning that
an entire paragraph or more is needed to help explain the term. This is when an extended
definition is necessary.

Extended definitions are the use of a paragraph or more to expand on a word that may be
difficult to comprehend. An extended definition almost always starts with a sentence definition, but
then expands on the word by providing additional sentences about one or more of the following:

• The function of the term

• The location of the term
• The physical traits of the term
• The causes and effects of the term

In this self-learning module, you will be introduced to the extended definitions and its
purposes. You will be given techniques and examples of extended definitions to let you get more
acquainted to the subject matter.

Introduction: Extended Definitions

An extended definition goes beyond what can be found in a dictionary, offering an

expanded analysis and illustration of a concept that might be abstract, controversial, unfamiliar, or
frequently misunderstood.

In a paragraph, essay, or speech, an extended definition is an explanation

and/or illustration of a word, thing, or concept.

Randy Devillez in "Step by Step College Writing" says that an extended definition can be
"as short as a paragraph or two or as long as several hundred pages.

"An extended definition may explain the word's etymology or historical roots, describe
sensory characteristics of something (how it looks, feels, sounds, tastes, smells), identify its parts,
indicate how something is used, explain what it is not, provide an example of it, and/or note
similarities or differences between this term and other words or things," notes Stephen Reid in
"The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers."

When to Use Definitions

• When your writing contains a term that may be key to audience understanding and that
term could likely be unfamiliar to them

"Stellar Wobble is a measurable variation of speed wherein a star's velocity is shifted by the
gravitational pull of a foreign body."

• When a commonly used word or phrase has layers of subjectivity or evaluation in the way
you choose to define it

"Throughout this essay, the term classic gaming will refer specifically to playing video
games produced for the Atari, the original Nintendo Entertainment System, and any
systems in-between."
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 Note: Not everyone may define "classic gaming" within this same time span; therefore, it is
important to define your terms.

• When the etymology (origin and history) of a common word might prove interesting or will
help expand upon a point.

"Pagan can be traced back to Roman military slang for an incompetent soldier. In this
sense, Christians who consider themselves soldiers of Christ are using the term not only to
suggest a person's secular status but also their lack of bravery.”

11 Techniques of Writing an Extended Definition

As our readings indicate, definition can begin with a synonym, a brief phrase, or a formal sentence
that explains the term/field in its most basic form. But this assignment requires you to write an
extended definition using the tactics of definition. The techniques you use will depend on what
is appropriate for audience and subject matter. These techniques are listed below:

1. Etymology – explaining origin of the word itself

2. History – if relevant, discussing the history of the term/its use/controversies associated with it
3. Cause and Effect – discussing how the situation came about and what effects it may have
4. Description – listing and defining the component parts
5. Principles of Operation – discussing how topic in question functions, including any special
materials or conditions required
6. Classification - showing how the topic fits into a larger category
7. Contrast/Negation – showing how the topic differs from others in the same class
8. Comparison – showing how the topic is similar to others in the class
9. Analogy – explaining by comparing two dissimilar topics, where the second is familiar to the
audience
10. Examples
11. Illustrations

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR WRITING DEFINITIONS

• Avoid defining with "X is when" and "X is where" statements. These introductory adverb
phrases should be avoided. Define a noun with a noun, a verb with a verb, and so forth.
• Do not define a word by mere repetition or merely restating the word.

"Rhyming poetry consists of lines that contain end rhymes."

Better:
"Rhyming poetry is an artform consisting of lines whose final words consistently contain
identical, final stressed vowel sounds."

• Define a word in simple and familiar terms. Your definition of an unfamiliar word should not
lead your audience towards looking up more words to understand your definition.
• Keep the class portion of your definition small but adequate. It should be large enough to
include all members of the term you are defining but no larger.
• Avoid adding personal details to definitions. Although you may think the story about your
Grandfather will perfectly encapsulate the concept of stinginess, your audience may fail to
relate. Offering personal definitions may only increase the likeliness of misinterpretation that
you are trying to avoid.

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Examples of Expanded/Extended Definition

Example 1: Electronic Design Engineer

An electronic design engineer is an electrical engineer or electronic and communication engineer

who designs electronic circuits and systems. The design may be original, development, or
modification of existing ones. Applications are biomedical, communications, industrial control,
analytical instruments, image processing, consumer electronics, and automation. By discipline, they
are digital, analog, microprocessor based or very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSIC).

Example 2: Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a congenital hemolytic anemia that occurs primarily but not exclusively in
Blacks. The condition results from a defective hemoglobin molecule (hemoglobin S) which causes
red blood cells (RBCs) to roughen and become sickle shaped. Such cells impair circulation, resulting
in chronic ill health (fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, and swollen joints), periodic crises, long-term
complications, and premature death. At present, only symptomatic treatment is available. Half of
such patients die by their early 20s, few live to middle age.

Example 3: Memory

Memory is today defined in psychology as the faculty of encoding, storing, and retrieving information
(Squire, 2009). Psychologists have found that memory includes three important categories: sensory,
short-term, and long-term. Each of these kinds of memory have different attributes, for example,
sensory memory is not consciously controlled, short-term memory can only hold limited information,
and long-term memory can store an indefinite amount of information.

Example 4: Friendship

Friendship is a state of acquaintance between or among people characterized by a strong bond of

shared concern and caring. In true friendship the bond is mutually shared. This is, if either one of
two friends is involved in a difficulty, such as problems with failing courses at school, problems with
parents at home, or even problems of a much more serious nature, the other friend will provide help,
encouragement, concern, and perhaps even direct intervention.

Example 5: Glass

Glass is a hard-transparent material which is used to make windows, bottles and other objects.
(Etymology) glass is an English word and was first used before the twelfth century.
(Chronology)Glass has been used as a decorative object indoors since ancient times. Today, glass
is widely used in the construction and telecommunication sectors. (Description) It is made by cooling
molten ingredients such as silica sand with sufficient rapidity to prevent the formation of visible
crystals.

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III. Learning Tasks
➢ Learning Task 1: Get to Know More!
Instructions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. What type of definition explains a word using one sentence?
a. Extended Definition c. Operational Meaning
b. Parenthetical Definition d. Sentence Definition

2. What type of definition quickly explains a term and are included within the same sentence as the
word being defined?
a. Extended Definition c. Parenthetical Definition
b. Operational Meaning d. Sentence Definition

3. What type of definition is an explanation and/or illustration of a word, thing, or concept?

a. Extended Definition c. Parenthetical Definition
b. Operational Meaning d. Sentence Definition

4. Which of the following must be avoided in writing an extended definition of a word?

a. Define a word in simple and familiar terms.
b. Define a noun with a noun, a verb with a verb, and so forth.
c. Keep the class portion of your definition small but adequate
d. Define a word by mere repetition or merely restating the word.

5. Which of the following is NOT included in creating a sentence definition of a word?

a. Feature/s that distinguish the term from other words c. The class to which the word belongs
b. The etymology of a word d. The word being defined

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 ➢ Learning Task 2: That’s the Word!
Instructions: Identify the techniques being defined in the sentences below. Pick your answers from
the word bank given. Write your answers on the space provided before the number.

Etymology Classification Principles of Operation

History Contrast/Negation Examples

Cause and Effect Comparison Illustrations

Description Analogy

______________1. discussing how topic in question functions, including any special materials or
conditions required.

_______________2. discussing the history of the term/its use/controversies associated with it

_______________3. discussing how the situation came about and what effects it may have

_______________4. showing how the topic is similar to others in the class

_______________5. explaining by comparing two dissimilar topics, where the second is familiar to
the audience.

_______________6. showing how the topic differs from others in the same class

_______________7. showing how the topic fits into a larger category

_______________8. listing and defining the component parts

_______________9. explaining origin of the word itself

_____________10. Providing examples of the word its

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 ➢ Learning Task 3: Define the terms!
Instructions: Give the extended definitions of the following words below.

1. Surgical Mask
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Face Shield
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
3. Ethyl Alcohol
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Sanitizers
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Thermal Scanners
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

IV. Reflection
Instructions:
Summing up what I learned in my journey through this lesson: Write down your thoughts
and complete the statement: I have learned that.
____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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V. References

Sweat, Suzane. “Types of Definitions Used in Technical Writing.” Accessed January 13,
2020.https://study.com/academy/lesson/types-of-definitions-used-in-technical-writing.html
Nordquist, Richard. “Learn How to Use Extended Definitions in Essays and Speeches”.
Accessed January 13, 2020. www.thoughtco.com/extended-definition-essays-and-speeches-
1690696

“11 Techniques of Extended Definition”. Accessed March 19, 2021.

https://umd.instructure.com/courses/1087526/pages/11-techniques-of-extended-definition

Zlotnik, Gregoria and Vansintjan, Aaron. Frontiers in Psychology Cognition. “Memory: An

Extended Definition”. November 7, 2019.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02523/full

Maso, Felix. Slideplayer.”What is an extended definition?”. Accessed February 28, 2021.

https://slideplayer.com/slide/4385155/

ThoughtCo.“6o Writing Topics for Extended Definitions”. Updated July 19, 2019.
https://www.thoughtco.com/writing-topics-extended-definition-1690536

Slideshare.“Writing an Extended Definition”. Published on November 3, 2010.

https://www.slideshare.net/gbuche/writing-an-extended-definition-2010

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

https://download.oliveboard.in/pdf/English-Grammar-Rules.pdf

https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar/sentences/what-is-the-subject-of-a-sentence.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/verbs/what-is-a-verb.html

https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-dependent-clauses.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/prepositions/Prepositional-Phrases.html

https://examples.yourdictionary.com/interrogative-sentence-examples.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/prepositions/rules-for-prepositions.html

https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-indefinite-pronouns.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/pronouns/types-of-pronouns.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/verbs/infinitive-verb.html
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https://examples.yourdictionary.com/gerund-examples.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/nouns/collective-nouns.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.htmlSummary

https://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement/

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfProblems

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfExceptions

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/11-rules-of-grammar.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/misplaced-modifiers.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.htmlLearning

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfReflection

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-
agreement.htmlhttps://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-
agreement.htmlhttps://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfhttps://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-
verb-agreement.html

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https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.htmlAlmonte

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfReflection

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-
agreement.htmlhttps://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-
agreement.htmlhttps://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfReflection

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-
agreement.htmlhttps://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-
agreement.htmlhttps://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfReflection

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-
agreement.htmlhttps://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-
agreement.htmlhttps://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

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Edited by: Emilia A. Ngujo
Consolidated by: Ms. Liza T. Castaños
Learning Task 1: Learning Task 3:
1. D Answers may vary
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. B
Learning Task 2: Reflection
1. Principles of Operation Answers may vary
2. History
3. Cause and Effect
4. Comparison
5. Analogy
6. Contrast/Negation
7. Classification
8. Description
9. Etymology
10. Examples
VI. Answer Key