English 10
Quarter 4
Giving Expanded Definitions
of Words
1
What Is It
Expanded Definition
An expanded definition defines and explains a single term, concept,
or object, pins down the meaning of a specific word, or defines an
abstract concept, and goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition.
Techniques in Expanding Definition
1. Etymology explains the origin of the word itself. Example:
Using the example term “arbitration”:
Arbitration comes from the Latin judicium which means “judgment”.
2. History discusses the history of the term, its use, and controversies
associated with it.
Example:
The use of arbitration as third-party mediation dates from the
1630s.
3. Cause and Effect discusses how the situation came about and what
effects it may have.
Example:
An arbitration clause is considered to be ambiguous when the
parties do not express clearly, that in case of conflict, the method to
use to settle the disagreements will be arbitration. Hence, parties
are compelled to refrain from signing confusing agreements to
arbitrate, because the general rule is that arbitration is prompted
out of the contract, and if there is not an explicit arbitration clause
within the contract it would not be an agreement to arbitrate.
4. Description lists and defines the term. Example:
Arbitration is the process of solving an argument between people by
helping them to agree to an acceptable solution. It is the formal
process of having an outside person, chosen by both sides to a
disagreement to end the disagreement.
5. Principles of Operation discusses how something functions, including
any special materials or conditions required.
Example:
Arbitration is conducted by a trained arbiter who sets down the rules
that the parties must abide by. The object of arbitration is to obtain
a fair resolution of disputes by an impartial third party without
unnecessary expense or delay.
Parties should be free to agree on how their disputes are resolved,
subject only to such safeguards as are necessary for the public
interest. Courts should not interfere.
2
6. Classification shows how the topic fits into a larger category.
Example:
Arbitration is one of the alternatives to going into a formal court to
settle disputes.
7. Contrast shows how the topic differs from others in the same class.
Example:
In an arbitration proceeding, no lawyers are present. The main
difference between arbitration and litigation law is that the court is
involved in the case of litigation, as it is a lawsuit, whereas, in
arbitration, a settlement between the parties is done outside of
court.
8. Comparison shows how the topic is similar to others in the class.
Example:
As with lawsuits or other court proceedings, the decision in an
arbitration proceeding is legally binding on the parties.
9. Analogy explains and compares two dissimilar topics, where the
second is familiar to the audience.
Example:
An arbiter is like a referee–he or she listens to both sides and
decides as to who is at fault, without the intervention of outside
parties.
10. Examples represent other things because they have all the main
qualities or characteristics that the thing they represent also have.
Examples:
Arbitration was used to settle the dispute between the labor union
and management.
Two people who are divorcing cannot agree on terms and allow a
third party to come in to help them negotiate.
3
11. Illustrations are pictures in a book, magazine, etc. or the process of
illustrating something.
Example:
What’s More
Directions: Identify what technique in expanding definition is being
described in the following statements. Choose your answers from the
boxes and write them on a separate sheet of paper.
For items 1-5:
A.
Analogy
B.
Cause and Effect
C.
Contrast
D.
Description
E.
Etymology
F.
History
______________1. This technique uses similes or metaphors to explain a
thing as being like something else.
______________2. It states about the language roots of a word.
______________3. It compares a term to a term that has a different
meaning.
4
______________4. It discusses the history of the term, its use, and
controversies associated with it.
______________5. It discusses how the situation came about and what
effects it may have.
For items 6-10:
A. Analogy
B. Classification
C. Description
D. Example
E. Illustration
F. Principles of Operation
______________6. It lists and defines the parts.
______________7. It discusses how the topic functions, including any special
materials or conditions required.
______________8. It shows how the topic fits into a larger category.
______________9. It is something used to represent other things because it
has all the main qualities or characteristics that they also
have.
______________10. It is a picture in a book, magazine, etc. or the process of
illustrating something.
What I Have Learned
Directions: To check what you have learned from this module, complete
the concept map below. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper
5
11
Techniques in
Expanding
Definition
Directions: Use five techniques in expanding definitions to explain
the term “research”. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.
RESEARCH
Technique in Expanding Definition My Answer
Example: Etymology The word research is derived
from the Middle French
"recherche", which means "to
go about seeking."
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
References/ Electronic Sources:
Nordquist, R. (2019). Learn How to Use Extended Definitions in Essays
and
Speeches ThoughtCo. Retrieved on February 9, 2021 from
https://www.thoughtco.com/extended-definition-essays-
andspeeches1690696#:~:text=%22An%20extended%20definition
%20may%2 0explain,note%20similarities%20or%20differences
%20between
6
11 Techniques Of Extended Definition. Retrieved on February 9, 2021 from
https://umd.instructure.com/courses/1087526/pages/11 -
techniquesofextended-definition
11 Techniques Of Extended Definition. Retrieved on February 9, 2021 from
https://docs.google.com/presenttion/d/1v_SZjYz8ZoV3ngN5INRJw_JUI
cLuk6wAddYe8MVmdk/edit#slide=id.p27
Shaw, M. (2016). 10 Words With Interesting Etymologies. Owlcation.
Retrieved on February 9, 2021 from
https://owlcation.com/humanities/10-Words-With-
InterestingEtymologies
