How to Write an Extended Definition Essay

Writing an extended definition essay does not differ too much from writing a definition essay. In both cases you have to analyze a given term in various contexts, and to distinguish between  different meanings of it. An extended definition essay allows you to write in a more general way, including opposition to the mundane definitions of the term, and casting doubt on them.

How to write an extended definition essay – essential tips.

Choose the right term

You will be given a short list of terms that you associate with various experiences and situations. If you do not have enough self-confidence, we recommend you to select an extended definition topic which seems the most appropriate for you (you have knowledge and information about it; for example, the term “friendship”).  But if you believe that you are able to write an excellent definition essay, then it is better to pick up the most difficult task (for instance, terms like “symbol”, “instincts”, “discoverers”). Most of your classmates would prefer writing on “easy” extended definition essay topics, thus your paper will stand out as a genuine one.

Extended Definition Essay Outline - Plan your work

First, make a short extended definition outline. This will help you develop your ideas in a better way. Follow the usual structure of the five-paragraph essay:

• Introduction

In the introduction part you write about the context of the problem. Here you can mention a few definitions, and explain which one you prefer.

• Body

It should contain 3 paragraphs. Select three different definitions and compare them. Give one example for each of them.

• Conclusion

Now you can restate the thesis and summarize the arguments in its favor. Tell the readers what is a strong point of your essay, what exactly makes it stand out.

Refer to particular situations

It would be good to stay within the limits of an abstract thought, but probably no one will comprehend your ideas. Thus, you need to refer to particular cases. Describe them in one sentence only. Employ impartial language and do not become too emotional. It is recommended to refrain from using pronouns like “I” or “my” throughout the essay.

Another strategy: opposition

It is not posited that an extended definition essay should deal only with different meanings of one term. Another strategy of writing can be employed, but it is of a very advanced type. Your essay may be engaged with criticism of the widely accepted definitions or perceptions of the given term. Let’s say that the term is “discoverers.” It usually has positive meaning: a discoverer is always respected by the society (of course, people like Columbus are exception from this rule). However, some discoverers, like the Spanish conquistadors, did harm to the natives, with millions of causalities as a consequence. Very often we associate the term “discoverer” with the climbers who set world records by climbing The Himalayas in wintertime, or the astronauts who are living in the International space station. But discoverers can also destroy local civilizations, or impose their understandings of life upon the local people. Thus, every thesis can be opposed and defended with equally strong arguments.

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Extended Definition Essay Topics

Extended definition essay topics allow the writer to completely define and explain the meaning of a subject matter in their own words. When writing an extended definition essay, you should give examples and experiences related to the topic to emphasize its meaning.

Here is a list of 100+ extended definition topics that you can consider for your next essay.

1. Explain what is a simplified life.
2. What is a sense of humor?
3. What is sportsmanship?
4. Define what is pride.
5. What is generosity?
6. Define what is kindness.
7. What is trust?
8. What does it mean to be self-assured?
9. Who is a generous person?
10. What is modesty?
11. What is faith?
12. Who is a friend?
13. What is dedication?
14. What does it mean to be ambitious?
15. Define a modest person.
16. Define a faithful person.
17. What is dignity?
18. What is pessimism?
19. Define what is charisma.
20. Who is an optimist?
21. Define laughter?
22. Define who is a sexist person.
23. What is racism?
24. Who is a trustworthy person?
25. Explain who is a racist person.
26. What is sexism?
27. What is telecommunication?
28. What is online education?
29. Who is a student?
30. What does it mean to be conservative?
31. What does it mean to be physically fit?
32. What is marketing communications?
33. Define courage?
34. What is traditional education?
35. What is a good diet?
36. What is cyber terrorism?
37. Who is a teacher?
38. Describe a courageous person.
39. What is college life?
40. What is self-respect?
41. What is a bad diet?
42. Define a happy marriage.
43. What is friendship?
44. What is the American Dream?
45. Define family.
46. Who is a pessimist?
47. Explain what is online privacy.
48. Explain what is meant by customer lifetime value.
49. What is exasperation?
50. What is optimism?
51. What is value of life?
52. Describe a good spouse (husband or wife)?
53. What is common sense?
54. Who is a good leader?
55. What is responsibility?
56. What is relaxation?
57. Who is a team player?
58. What is heroism?
59. Describe a mature person
60. What is the sixth sense?
61. What is peace of mind?
62. What is a mercy killing?
63. What is city life?
64. Who is a dependable person?
65. What is persistence?
66. What does it mean to have a healthy appetite?
67.  What is frustration?
68. Define success
69. Define a hero.
70. Who is a persistent person?
71. What is dependability?
72. Who is a responsible person?
73. What is vanity?
74. Who is a successful person?
75. Describe a vain person.
76. What is virtue?
77. Who is a virtuous person?
78. What is progress?
79. Describe a good or bad parent.
80. What is beauty?
81. Describe a beautiful person.
82. What is the perfect vacation?
83. What is cheating?
84. Who is a cheater?
85. What is feminism?
86. Who is a feminist?
87. What is poverty?
88. What is science?
89. Who is a scientist?
90. What is real estate?
91. What is a good attitude?
92. What is a bad attitude?
93. What is religion?
94. Who is a religious person?
95. What is loyalty?
96. Who is a loyal person?
97. What is male chauvinism?
98. Who is a male chauvinist?
99. What is industrialization?
100. Who is an industrialist?
101. What is peer pressure?
102. What is capitalism?
103. What is communism?
104. What is juvenile delinquency?

Having completed your definition essay, proofread it and then read it several times in a row. Read it again the other day (as your mind will be sharper). Now you know a little more about how to write an extended definition essay. The rest depends on your concentration and writing skills. 

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