Perpose of Definition

Question. Define Definition. Discuss the purpose of Definition.

 A. Definition is the explanation of the meaning of a word, phrase or symbol. Definition consists of two parts:

a) Definiendum: It is the word to be defined. The word, phrase or symbol which is defined is called as the definiendum.

b) Definiens: The word by which anything is defined is called as definiens. Words or group of words used to define the definiendum is called as the definiens. For eg.

Man is a rational animal.

Man- Definiendum,

A rational animal- Definien

Purpose of Definition: Definition has many purposes. Its main function is to make the meaning of words, phrases or symbols clear. Definition has the following purpose of functions:

a) To increase vocabulary: Language involves words. Some words in our language may appear new to us. We define them to make things clear to us. Thus, by defining such words we are able to increase our vocabulary. For e.g. the word 'pound' is equivocal it may mean "a measure a weight" or "a unit of money". But its meaning can be differentiated, in the way it is used. Like,

"His weight is fifty pounds"

or 

"I bought a book for five pounds".

b) To eliminate ambiquity: In every language, there are equivocal or ambiguous words. An equivocal word is one, which can be interpreted in more than one way. These words generally do not create any problem because their meaning become clear from the context in which it is used. Certain words whose meaning does not become clear from the context are called as ambiguous words. In such cases, we can reduce ambiguity and the subsequent verbal dispute by defining such words. Hence, definition serves the purpose of eliminating ambiguity. For e.g.

Industry should be encouraged. Here we are not sure whether 'industry' means 'hard work' or Industrial organization'.

c) To reduce vagueness: Every language contains certain words, which are vague. A word is vague when it does not have a fixed meaning and it is interpreted differently in different situations. In such cases, vagueness leads to differences of opinion. Definition helps in resolving differences by reducing the vagueness of words.

d) To explain theoretically: Sometimes, definition serves the purpose of giving theoretically explanation of words. When a student of science asks what is 'gravity' or 'heat', he or she does not want to know the dictionary meaning of it. He or she wants to know the theory that explains such words. Hence, definition serves the purpose of giving theoretical background of such words.

e) To Influence Attitudes: Sometimes, a term is defined with a purpose of influencing one's attitudes. It stirs one's emotions or feelings. Some words have emotional appeal. For e.g.,

'Vedanta is a scientific religion, for the modern man'. Here, the intention is to influence the attitude of modern man. Language of such definitions is not informative. It functions expressively.