Definition Essay Outline

The Definition Essay
What is a Definition Essay?
A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means.
Abstract terms, such as love, pain, or patriotism, have different meanings for different individuals since such terms play on people’s feelings more than their physical senses.
The definition essay provides a personal, extended definition of such terms by linking or comparing the term to a previous definition and by illustrating how that term should be applied/has been applied.
Sample Outline
1) Introduction
a) Attention getter
i) You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to provide a basis for your personal definition. ii) You may want to open with a contradictory image to what would be your image to illustrate that definition.
b) Thesis: State how you define the term. If you can write the definition using specific points, you will find the definition easier to follow when writing the paper.
2) Point one
a) The first part of your definition of the term.
b) Example to illustrate that point.
c) Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
3) Point two
a) The second part of the definition of the term.
b) Example to illustrate that point.
c) Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
4) Point three
a) The third part of the definition (if there is one)
b) Example to illustrate that point.
c) Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
5) Conclusion
a) Review your definition’s main points
b) Closing attention getter
c) Sometimes a reference back to the opening attention-getter is a good way of unifying the entire essay.
d) You may want to close with an explanation of how your definition has affected you.