Knowing the rules of a definition essay writing is one of the best skills that can be useful for expressing your own idea regarding a particular topic, concept, term or issue and developing research skills that are highly appreciated in any US college (ex. Harvard) or any higher educational establishment. Still, a few questions may occur when looking at general requirements for writing an essay of good quality.
For instance, how to write a definition essay and structure it, how do you choose definition essay topics? Which topics are appropriate examples and which are better to avoid? How to create a thesis for such essay? Or, how do we create the best topic that appropriately defines what we are about to write? What sources can be used while writing this kind of essay? All these questions are quite important for any definitive text and every student should be aware of the answers. If such essay is a new genre for you or you just want to refresh your memory on the topics, this article will cover all the necessary details.
So What Is a Definition Essay?
The answer is quite easy. A definition essay is a paper type in which you focus on explaining and breaking down the meaning of one word. It is an in-depth analysis aimed at discussing and digging up a true understanding based on your own ideas. But, there is a catch: any idea you develop must be backed up by credible and verified evidence.
Seems to be a tough task to choose topics. Why so?
There exist words that are spelled or pronounced similarly but have different meanings. For a student who does not investigate properly, it is very easy to get confused and to mix up definitions or explanations. Interpreting a word in a write-up requires a lot of research, study, and reading. Therefore, when you think of ways to generate exciting and eye-catching definition extended essays topics, here are things you should find out:
- Origin of the word: You should be able to search for information regarding its origin — is it French, American, Gaelic? How it was coined, who used it first, where was it used, etc.
- Context: Context of usage could have changed over time. Prepare tangible resources that prove or dispute that fact.
- Previous versions: Some words are updated versions of what they were in the past. Try to find these versions if possible in order to track alteration of the word.
- Usage: How do we use this word today? Have there been any controversial uses for it over time?
Always keep in mind that all these details will be arranged from your personal view, i.e. you have to ‘own’ the definition, quote it in your own words.
Guide to 250 Definition Essay Topics to Choose From
Now, when you know everything about a definition essay, go through a compiled list of 100 definition paper topics to choose for your essay.
Definition Argument Essay Topics
- Defining "Success" in Modern Society
- The True Meaning of "Courage"
- What Constitutes "Fairness" in the Workplace?
- The Definition of "Privacy" in the Digital Age
- Understanding "Equality" in a Diverse Society
- The Essence of "Leadership" in Various Contexts
- Health: A Comprehensive Definition Beyond Physical Well-being
- The Complexities of Defining "Art"
- Intelligence: Nature vs. Nurture
- The Definition of "Addiction" in a World of Technology and Substances
- Happiness: Subjective Well-being or Objective Fulfillment?
- What Does It Mean to Be "Educated"?
- The True Meaning of "Freedom of Speech"
- Defining "Justice" in the Legal System
- Love: A Universal Language or Cultural Construct?
- The Definition of "Power" in Social and Political Contexts
- What Constitutes "Beauty" in Society Today?
- The Meaning of "Family" in Contemporary Society
- Sustainability: More Than Just an Environmental Term
- Understanding "Respect" Across Cultures
Definition Essay Topics for College
- The Evolution of "College" as an Institution
- Defining "Creativity" in the Academic World
- Globalization: Impacts and Implications
- The Meaning of "Cultural Appropriation" in Art and Society
- Democracy: Ideals vs. Reality
- The Definition of "Mental Health" in College Campuses
- Professionalism: What Does It Mean for Today's Graduates?
- Understanding "Ethics" in Various Disciplines
- Innovation: Beyond Invention and Creativity
- Social Media: Shaping Identities and Societies
- The Concept of "Work-Life Balance" for Students
- Multiculturalism in Education
- Defining "Academic Freedom"
- Entrepreneurship: A Career Path or Mindset?
- Volunteerism: The Value Beyond Service
- Peer Pressure in College Life
- The Role of "Curiosity" in Learning
- Stress: Understanding Its Impact on Students
- Teamwork in Academic and Professional Settings
- The Meaning of "Independence" for College Students
Technology Topics for Definition Essay
- Defining "Artificial Intelligence" and Its Scope
- Blockchain: Beyond Cryptocurrency
- The True Meaning of "Digital Privacy"
- Virtual Reality: A New Dimension of Experience
- Understanding "Cybersecurity" in a Connected World
- Social Networking: Redefining Human Connections
- Innovation in the Tech Industry
- The Definition of "Smart Technology" in Everyday Life
- Big Data: Implications and Ethics
- Cloud Computing: Transforming Data Management
- Internet of Things: A Networked Future
- Augmented Reality: Blending Worlds
- Machine Learning: The Path to AI
- Digital Divide: Access and Inequality
- E-commerce: Redefining Retail
- Tech Startups: The New Age of Entrepreneurship
- Digital Nomadism: Work and Lifestyle Redefined
- Gaming: Entertainment or Culture?
- Mobile Technology: The Revolution in Our Pockets
- Telemedicine: The Future of Healthcare
Happiness Definition Paper Ideas
- Happiness: A State of Mind or Circumstance?
- The Role of "Gratitude" in Achieving Happiness
- Contentment vs. Happiness
- The Impact of "Altruism" on Personal Happiness
- Mindfulness: A Path to Happiness?
- The Pursuit of Happiness in Different Cultures
- Success and Its Relation to Happiness
- Social Connections: Their Importance in Feeling Happy
- The Science Behind "Happiness"
- Self-Acceptance and Its Role in Happiness
- Work-Life Balance and Its Effect on Happiness
- Financial Security vs. Wealth: What Brings Happiness?
- The Influence of "Physical Health" on Happiness
- Personal Growth and Its Contribution to Happiness
- Simplicity as a Key to Happiness
- The Role of "Nature" in Enhancing Happiness
- Creativity and Its Impact on Happiness
- Spirituality and Happiness: Exploring the Connection
- Freedom of Choice and Its Importance to Happiness
- Generosity: Does Giving Lead to Happiness?
'Freedom' as a Topic
- The Many Facets of "Freedom" in Society
- Freedom of Speech: Rights and Responsibilities
- Economic Freedom and Its Impact on Societies
- The Role of "Freedom of the Press" in Democracy
- Religious Freedom: A Fundamental Human Right
- Freedom of Expression in Art and Culture
- The Concept of "Personal Freedom"
- Political Freedom: The Foundation of Democratic Societies
- Freedom from Want: Addressing Basic Human Needs
- Academic Freedom and Its Importance in Education
- Freedom of Movement: A Global Perspective
- Digital Freedom: Privacy and Expression Online
- Freedom from Fear: Security and Human Rights
- The Balance Between "Freedom" and "Equality"
- Intellectual Freedom and Its Role in Innovation
- Freedom of Association: Building Communities and Networks
- Financial Freedom: More Than Just Wealth
- Freedom to Choose: Decision-Making and Autonomy
- The Historical Struggle for "Freedom"
- Freedom in the Age of Globalization
Extended Definition Essay Topics
- Defining "Resilience" in the Face of Adversity
- The True Essence of "Empathy" in Human Relationships
- Sustainability: A Comprehensive Look Beyond the Environment
- Integrity: The Bedrock of Character and Trust
- Innovation: More Than Just Invention
- The Multifaceted Concept of "Justice" in Society
- Wisdom vs. Intelligence: Unpacking the Differences
- Freedom: A Philosophical and Practical Exploration
- Courage: Beyond Physical Bravery
- Honor: Its Role and Relevance in Modern Society
- Passion: The Driving Force Behind Creativity and Success
- Leadership: A Dynamic and Evolving Concept
- Happiness: Pursuit and Perception
- Beauty: Subjective Ideals and Societal Standards
- Equality: Challenges and Achievements in the Modern World
- Addiction: Understanding Its Complexity Beyond Substance Abuse
- Privacy: Redefining in the Digital Age
- Health: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
- Culture: The Tapestry of Human Expression and Belief
- Success: Personal Fulfillment vs. Societal Recognition
Great Topics on 'Family'
- Family: Evolution of Its Definition in a Modern Context
- The Role of "Tradition" in Family Dynamics
- Single Parenthood: Challenges and Triumphs
- Blended Families: Navigating Complexity with Unity
- Generational Gap: Bridging Differences within Families
- Family Roles: Shifting Perspectives and Expectations
- Adoption: Expanding the Concept of Family
- Family Support: Its Impact on Individual Resilience
- Inheritance: Beyond Material Assets
- Family Businesses: Mixing Kinship with Commerce
- Domestic Responsibilities: Gender Roles and Equality
- Elder Care: The Family's Role in Aging Societies
- Family Traditions: Their Importance in Cultural Identity
- Parenting Styles: Influence on Child Development
- Family Conflict: Resolution and Growth
- Family Secrets: The Impact on Trust and Unity
- Nuclear Family vs. "Extended Family": Benefits and Challenges
- Family Values: Guiding Principles for Behavior and Beliefs
- Family Reunions: Celebrating Connections and Heritage
- Family Planning: Choices and Implications for Future Generations
Social Topics for a Definition Essay
- Social Justice: Unpacking Its Meaning and Importance
- Community: The Fabric of Social Connectivity
- Identity: Formation in the Social Context
- Social Norms: Their Influence on Behavior and Beliefs
- Inequality: Addressing Disparities in Society
- Social Media: Redefining Human Interaction
- Citizenship: Rights, Responsibilities, and Identity
- Social Change: Mechanisms and Movements
- Prejudice: Understanding Its Roots and Remedies
- Globalization: Its Impact on Social Structures
- Social Welfare: Systems for Support and Sustainability
- Activism: The Drive for Social Reform
- Social Anxiety: Navigating the Challenges of Interaction
- Cultural Assimilation vs. "Cultural Preservation"
- Social Exclusion: Causes and Consequences
- Urbanization: Its Effects on Society and Environment
- Social Mobility: Realities and Barriers
- Ethnicity: Identity and Influence in Society
- Social Responsibility: Individual and Collective Roles
- Class Consciousness: Awareness and Action
What is Love - Eternal Topic
- Love: Beyond Romantic Notions
- Unconditional Love: Its Existence and Expression
- Platonic Love: The Value of Non-Romantic Relationships
- Self-Love: The Foundation of Well-being
- Parental Love: Guiding and Letting Go
- Love at First Sight: Myth or Reality?
- Enduring Love: Secrets to Long-lasting Relationships
- Love Languages: Expressing and Receiving Affection
- Lost Love: Coping with Heartbreak and Moving On
- Love vs. Lust: Distinguishing Deep Connection from Desire
- Tough Love: Its Role in Personal Growth
- Sacrificial Love: The Limits and Rewards
- Rekindled Love: Rediscovering Connections
- Unrequited Love: Navigating One-sided Affections
- Evolving Love: Adapting to Changes in Relationships
- Love and Marriage: Cultural and Personal Perspectives
- Love Across Distances: Maintaining Connections
- Forbidden Love: Societal Boundaries and Personal Choices
- Spiritual Love: Connecting on a Deeper Level
- Love and Forgiveness: Healing and Reconciliation
History Definition Essay Topics List
- Revolution: Catalysts and Consequences
- Empire: Rise, Dominion, and Decline
- Renaissance: A Rebirth of Culture and Knowledge
- Nationalism: Its Impact on World History
- Colonialism: Legacy and Liberation
- Industrial Revolution: Transforming Societies and Economies
- Cold War: Ideologies and Interventions
- Democracy: Evolution of Governance
- Treaties: Shaping Borders and Relations
- Exploration: Discoveries and Encounters
- Inventions: Milestones in Human Progress
- Civil Rights: Struggles and Achievements
- Feudalism: Social Hierarchy and Land Ownership
- Genocide: Understanding and Preventing Atrocities
- Migration: Movements and Motivations
- Enlightenment: Reason and Reform
- Reformation: Religious Conflict and Change
- Totalitarianism: Control and Resistance
- Independence: Nations Forging Their Own Paths
- Cultural Revolution: Upheaval and Transformation
Definition Essay Ideas for Business
- Defining "Entrepreneurship": Beyond Starting a Business
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Ethical Business Practices
- Market Disruption: Changing the Competitive Landscape
- Brand Loyalty: The Emotional Connection with Customers
- Innovation in Business: More Than Just New Products
- Leadership vs. "Management": Distinct Roles in Business Success
- Sustainability in Business: Economic, Environmental, and Social Considerations
- Networking: Building Relationships for Professional Growth
- Customer Satisfaction: Key to Business Longevity
- E-commerce: Revolutionizing Retail
- Globalization: Impact on Local and International Businesses
- Business Ethics: Guiding Principles in the Corporate World
- Start-up Culture: Agility and Innovation in Business
- Franchising: Expansion Strategy for Businesses
- Outsourcing: Delegating Tasks for Efficiency and Cost-Savings
- Brand Identity: Crafting a Unique Market Presence
- Corporate Culture: Shaping Employee Behavior and Company Values
- Digital Marketing: Engaging Customers in the Digital Age
- Venture Capital: Fueling Growth in Start-ups
- Business Agility: Adapting to Rapid Market Changes
Sports Definition Essay Topics
- Teamwork: The Essence of Success in Team Sports
- Sportsmanship: Respect and Fair Play On and Off the Field
- Endurance: Physical and Mental Stamina in Sports
- Coaching: Guiding Athletes Towards Excellence
- Olympism: Ideals and Values of the Olympic Movement
- Competitiveness: The Drive Behind Athletic Achievement
- Physical Fitness: The Foundation of Athletic Performance
- Talent vs. "Hard Work" in Sports Success
- Injury Prevention: Safeguarding Athletes' Health
- Professionalism in Sports: Beyond Amateurism
- Mental Toughness: Overcoming Challenges in Sports
- Fair Play: Ethical Considerations in Competitive Sports
- Athletic Scholarship: Bridging Education and Sports
- Sports Nutrition: Fueling Performance and Recovery
- Doping: Ethical and Health Implications in Sports
- Fan Culture: Community and Identity Among Sports Enthusiasts
- Extreme Sports: Thrill-Seeking and Risk Management
- Youth Sports: Developmental Benefits and Challenges
- Sports Analytics: Data-Driven Decision Making in Sports
- Legacy: Impact of Major Sporting Events on Host Communities
'Science' Topics on Any Taste
- Scientific Method: The Foundation of Discovery and Innovation
- Climate Change: Understanding Global Environmental Shifts
- Genetics: The Blueprint of Life and Heredity
- Artificial Intelligence: Redefining Human and Machine Interaction
- Quantum Physics: Exploring the Subatomic World
- Sustainability: Science in Service of the Environment
- Biotechnology: Manipulating Biological Systems for Human Benefit
- Astronomy: The Study of Celestial Objects and Phenomena
- Neuroscience: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Brain
- Evolution: The Process of Change in the Natural World
- Renewable Energy: Sustainable Power Sources for the Future
- Vaccination: Science's Answer to Infectious Diseases
- Nanotechnology: Engineering on an Atomic Scale
- Ecology: The Interconnectedness of Life and Environment
- Robotics: The Creation and Application of Robots
- Conservation Biology: Protecting Biodiversity for Future Generations
- Geology: The Science of the Earth's Physical Structure
- Meteorology: Predicting Weather and Understanding Climate
- Chemistry: The Study of Matter and Its Transformations
- Physics: The Laws Governing Matter and Energy
Definition Essay Outline — Is It Helpful?
It is impossible to start working on an essay without an outline, especially on an extended definition essay. One can easily get confused without a well-written plan with a well-thought structure of a future paper. Many US universities suggest their students outline their papers as it helps to understand details for structure — what should be in essay and what should not be there. It also helps not to lose the main thought and follow your thesis and serves as a guide.
A definitive essay outline also serves as a map of sorts because it already consists of essay parts arranged according to the order of their appearance. Have you noticed how easy it is to mess up an essay, especially a long one (let’s say, 5000 words) when you try to make some content edits? To avoid such incidents, it is recommended to complete an outline to know how paragraphs should be arranged in order to provide a smooth and consistent transition.
Structure — Identifying all Parts
An extended definition essay has a quite interesting structure. While it might not look very different from commonly used structure of, an argument-rooted essay, for example, there still exist some peculiarities that set this essay type apart from others. Here is an outline template that is in line with the requirements of most US universities:
- Introduction: It is your chance to set the stage for rest of the write-up. The idea here is to inform readers of what to expect. Introduce the word, term you are about to define and provide a dictionary definition of it. Keep your introduction paragraph simple, and do not disclose too much detail here.
- Thesis statement: In your thesis complete your own extended definition of a word or term based on your research and understanding of it.
- Main body: Remember that whole load of research you did when preparing? The body is where you arrange all that data — origin, context, previous versions, usage. Using paragraphs for each aspect, identify core parts in true meaning and provide an explanation where needed. Make your work good enough to meet requirements for an interesting read, as well as an academic work.
- Conclusion: For conclusion, general idea is, to sum up, what has been discussed in this paper — different explanations, description and others. This is akin to closing remarks and is never a good point to start a fresh set of arguments — keep that in mind.
Each of these outline parts plays an important role in making your definition essay look presentable, easy to read and follow. Completing an outline and good research will help to reach these goals.
Read also: 200+ Argumentative Essay Topics
Definition Essay Examples
Below are two definition essay examples. These would serve as a factual guide on how to begin writing and ways to keep information relevant. They would help you understand all do’s and don’ts of this essay types and help you to work towards your perfect essay.
If you're looking for more examples, you can also find definition essay examples online to expand your knowledge and enhance your writing skills.
SAMPLE 1
“The Statue of Liberty
During revolution years the need came up for America to choose a physical symbol for what founding fathers stood…”
Notice how writer used a hook at the beginning instead of providing a boring definition at once:
“The Statue of Liberty can be defined as…”
Key rule in writing an extended definition essay: never start with the main idea. Look for suitable ways to create an inversion, i.e. create a cascade of paragraphs that will gradually lead to term being explained.
SAMPLE 2
“Ohm’s Law
In the years that followed the discovery of electricity, many human attempts were made to understand the effects that emulated together to achieve the fluorescence produced by…”
Another key rule is: When dealing with science, keep it scientific. Do not deviate to use layman terms, especially if this is meant to be purely academic paper. Let your etymology rhyme with context on which this essay is formed.
Here is third rule that would help you especially in definition argument topics is avoiding what is referred to as ‘mindless lifting’ — direct copying of an explanation from the source. If a certain analogy was used to make an explanation, look for more persuasive analogy that could achieve the same effect. Avoid direct copying from outside source in order not be accused of plagiarism.
FOUND THE TOPIC BUT NO TIME TO WRITE?
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