Expanded definition

•a type of technical definition that is used

when a certain word or phrase needs to
be explained with much detail or to be
defined in a particular context or
situation
•may be a few sentences or several
pages long
•In writing an academic paper, for
example, you may need to define
certain terms in your own words for
readers to understand the
terminology.
Here are some of the
purposes for which
expanded definitions
are written.
•To explain the history of a word or
term
•To illustrate an abstract concept
with the use of concrete examples
•To clarify the meaning of a term in
a particular context
•To explain the basics before the
discussion of the main subject
matter
Philosophy is the study of beliefs and
ideas about truth, knowledge, and the
nature and meaning of life. The term is
coined from the Greek words “Phylos”
and “Sophie,” which mean “love” and
“wisdom,” respectively. Thus, the term
philosophy means “love for wisdom.”
Beauty is not only the pleasantness of an
individual’s outer appearance but also the
kindness of that individual’s character and
personality. A person is said to be beautiful if
he or she not only has a good-looking face but
also a good heart. For instance, someone who
inspires others, helps them, and continuous to
be kind even when others are unkind to
him/her is someone who has beauty. Beauty
goes beyond the physical aspect.
Light pollution is artificial light that is
interfering, misdirected, and excessive.
Just like other forms of pollution, massive
light pollution has negative consequences.
It disrupts ecological communities or
ecosystems and has adverse health effects
on human beings. Moreover, it interferes
with astronomical studies, washes out
starlight in the night sky, and wastes much
needed energy.
Cells are the smallest basic unit of
any living thing. A cell is composed
of a cytoplasm, which is enclosed
by a membrane, as well as a
nucleus, chloroplasts, and
mitochondria. Each of these small
parts have specific functions that
are necessary for life.
•An _______________________ is a type
of definition when a concepts
need to be explained with more
details or defined in a particular
context.

•It can be defined based on your

___________________.
Answer the following writing
prompts.
• Enumerate and explain the purposes of
writing expanded definitions in one
paragraph.

• You are a teacher trying to explain to your

class the concept of bullying. Explain the
concept by writing an expanded definition
of it.