Definitions in linguistics clarify the meaning of terms through various techniques. This document explores types of definitions, including ostensive, linguistic, and their structural forms such as equivalence and nonequivalence. It also discusses definitional techniques like extensional and intensional definitions, providing examples for each. The content is essential for students and professionals in linguistics, philosophy, and language studies, offering insights into how definitions shape understanding and communication. Key criteria for lexical definitions are also outlined, ensuring clarity and precision in language use.

Key Points

  • Explores types of definitions in linguistics, including ostensive and linguistic forms.
  • Discusses definitional techniques such as extensional and intensional definitions.
  • Outlines criteria for lexical definitions to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.
  • Includes examples of equivalence and nonequivalence definitions for better understanding.
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DEFINITIONS
Definition is a brief description of the meaning of some expression, that is used:
1. to settle the meaning of the expression; or
2. to clarify extension or intension of the expression; or
3. to introduce the new expression to the language.
TYPES OF DEFINITIONS
I. Regarding the kind of used signs:
1. ostensive (demonstrative) – by pointing
2. linguistic (verbal) – expressed wholly in words
ATTENTION In what follows we will speak about linguistic definitions only; unless indicated
otherwise.
II. Regarding the structure:
1. equivalence – of the structure:
DEFINIENDUM COPULA DEFINIENS
defniendum – defined term
definiens – defining expression
a) explicit – defined expression stands alone (centimeter is one hundredth part of the
meter)
b) contextual – defined word stands in typical context (grandfather of x is a father of one
of the parents of x; c = log
b
(a) iff b
c
= a)
2. nonequivalence
for instance definition by postualtes – by giving a set of true sentences in which defined
word occurs
Example
(A1) 0 ≤ P(p) ≤ 1
(A2) P(t) = 1 (where t – tautology/law of logic)
(A3) P(p v q) = P(p) + P(q) (if p and q are disjoint: p ∧ q ≡ ¬ t))
III. Regarding the role their play in language:
1. lexical – reports the meaning the word already has (definitions from dictionaries or
encyclopedias)
2. stipulative – assigns a meaning to a word (new or not) for the very first time (tigon, liger,
net)
3. precising – clarifies intension or extension of a word (water as H
2
O)
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IV. Regarding definitional techniques
1. extensional (denotative) definitions:
– ostensive definition: by pointing (some or all) designata (referents)
– enumerative definition: by listing (some or all) designata (referents) (Planet is an
object such as: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Saturn or Jupiter.)
– definition by subclass: by listing (some or all) subclasses of denotation (extension) of
defined word (Fictional work is something like a poem, a play, a novel, or a short story)
2. intensional (connotative) definitions:
– synonymous definition: by giving the word of the same meaning as definiendum
(Intentional means willful. Observe means see.)
– operational definition: by describing procedures that determine whether or not a given
word applies to a certain thing. (One substance is “harder than” another if and only if one
scratches the other when the two are rubbed together.)
– definition by genus and difference; special case of equivalence definition of a form:
„A is B, that is C”
A – defined word; it’s extension; species
B – genus (genus proximum) – the smallest set containing A
C – specific difference (differentia specifica) – feature that distinguishes A from all B
Examples:
A square (A) is an equilateral (C) rectangle (B).
A bachelor (A) is an unmarried (C) man (B).
CRITERIA FOR LEXICAL DEFINITIONS
1. Should be adequate
Definition is adequate if extensions of definiendum and definiens are the same (definiendum is
equivalent to definiens).
ERROR: to broad: there are some objects that belong to extension of definiens but don’t belong
to extension of definiendum
Example: Bird is an animal that has wings (WRONG because of bat)
ERROR: to narrow: there are some objects that belong to extension of definiendum but don’t
belong to extension of definiens
Example: Bird is an animal that can fly (WRONG because of penguin)
ERROR: category mistake: categories of definiendum and definiens are different hence their
extensions are disjoint.
Example: Mathematics is when someone deals with numbers.
2. Should avoid circularity (idem per idem)
ERROR direct (intrinsic) circularity – in one definition; definiendum appears in definiens
Example: Celestial bodies are stars, planets and some other celestial bodies.
ERROR indirect circularity – in a pair, or triple (…) of definitions; one term is defined by the
other and this other is defined by the first one.
Example:
Science means the activity engaged in by scientists.
Scientist means anyone who engages in science.
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3. Should not be obscure
Definition is obscure if receiver doesn’t understand definiens (ignotum per ignotum).
Example:
Bunny means a mammalian of the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha whose young
are born furless and blind. (wrong)
Bunny means a rabbit. (correct)
4. Should not be ambiguous
Definition is ambiguous if it has more than one meaning.
Example:
Triangle means a figure composed of three straight lines in which all the angles are equal to
180°. (wrong)
5. Should not be vague
Definition is vague if it lacks precision.
Example:
Democracy means a kind of government where the people are in control. (wrong)
6. Should not be metaphorical
Example:
Architecture means frozen music. (wrong)
Camel means a ship of the desert. (wrong)
7. Should avoid affective terminology
Example:
‘Communism’ means that ‘brilliant’ invention of Karl Marx and other foolish political
visionaries in which the national wealth is supposed to be held in common by the people.
(wrong)
8. Should convey the essential meaning of the defined word
Example:
Human means featherless biped. (wrong)
Human means rational animal. (correct)
9. Should not be negative when it can be affirmative
Example:
Concord means the absence of discord. (wrong)
Concord means harmony. (correct)
BUT
Darkness means the absence of light. (correct)
10. Should indicate the context to which the definiens pertains
Example:
Bishop:
(in church) a high rank priest;
(in chess) a piece that moves on diagonals.
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FAQs

What are the main types of definitions in linguistics?
In linguistics, definitions can be categorized into two main types: ostensive and linguistic. Ostensive definitions involve demonstrating a term by pointing to examples, while linguistic definitions articulate meaning using words. These types help clarify the meaning and usage of terms in various contexts, making them essential for effective communication.
What is the significance of equivalence definitions?
Equivalence definitions are structured to show a clear relationship between the defined term (definiendum) and its defining expression (definiens). They can be explicit, where the defined term stands alone, or contextual, where it appears in a typical context. This structure is crucial for ensuring that the meaning is conveyed accurately and comprehensively.
How do extensional definitions differ from intensional definitions?
Extensional definitions specify the meaning of a term by listing its referents or designata, while intensional definitions focus on the characteristics that define the term. For example, an extensional definition of 'planet' might list Mercury, Venus, and Earth, whereas an intensional definition would describe the essential features that categorize these bodies as planets.
What criteria should lexical definitions meet?
Lexical definitions should be adequate, avoiding broad or narrow extensions, and must not be circular or obscure. They should also be unambiguous, precise, and affirmative when possible. These criteria ensure that definitions effectively communicate the intended meaning without confusion or misinterpretation.

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