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22 Essay Question Words You Must Understand to Prepare a Well-Structured Essay

(Last updated: 3 June 2024)

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Now, we may be experts in best essay writing , but we’re also the first to admit that tackling essay questions can be, well, a bit of a challenge. Essays first require copious amounts of background reading and research so you can include accurate facts in your writing. You then have to figure out how to present those facts in a convincing and systematic argument. No mean feat.

But the silver lining here is that presenting your argument doesn’t have to be stressful. This goes even if you’re a new student without much experience and ability. To write a coherent and well-structured essay , you just have to really understand the requirements of the question. And to understand the requirements of the question, you need to have a good hold on all the different question words. For example, 'justify', 'examine', and 'discuss', to name a few.

Lacking this understanding is a pitfall many students tumble into. But our guide on essay question words below should keep you firmly above on safe, essay-acing ground.

Definition of Question Words with Examples

No matter their nature, question words are key and must always be adhered to. And yet, many students often overlook them and therefore answer their essay questions incorrectly. You may be a font of all knowledge in your subject area, but if you misinterpret the question words in your essay title, your essay writing could be completely irrelevant and score poorly.

For example, if you are asked to compare the French and British upper houses of parliament, you won’t get many points by simply highlighting the differences between the two parliamentary systems.

So, what should you do? We advise you start by reading this guide – we’ve divided the question words either by ‘critical’ or ‘descriptive’ depending on their nature, which should help you identify the type of response your essay requires.

Question Words that Require a Critical Approach

Once you have done this, it’s also important that you critically (more on this word later) examine each part. You need to use important debates and evidence to look in depth at the arguments for and against, as well as how the parts interconnect. What does the evidence suggest? Use it to adopt a stance in your essay, ensuring you don’t simply give a narration on the key debates in the literature. Make your position known and tie this to the literature.

2. Evaluate

It is essential to provide information on both sides of the debate using evidence from a wide range of academic sources. Then you must state your position basing your arguments on the evidence that informed you in arriving at your position.

Also, you may want to consider arguments that are contrary to your position before stating a conclusion to your arguments. This will help present a balanced argument and demonstrate wide knowledge of the literature. Here, a critical approach becomes crucial. You need to explain why other possible arguments are unsatisfactory as well as why your own particular argument is preferable.

4. Critically evaluate

The key to tackling these question words is providing ample evidence to support your claims. Ensure that your analysis is balanced by shedding light on, and presenting a critique of, alternative perspectives. It is also important that you present extensive evidence taken from a varying range of sources.

State your conclusion clearly and state the reasons for this conclusion, drawing on factors and evidence that informed your perspective. Also try to justify your position in order to present a convincing argument to the reader.

Put another way, ‘review’ questions entail offering your opinion on the validity of the essay question. For example, you may be asked to review the literature on electoral reform in Great Britain. You'll need to give an overview of the literature. and any major arguments or issues that arose from it. You then need to comment logically and analytically on this material. What do you agree or disagree with? What have other scholars said about the subject? Are there any views that contrast with yours? What evidence are you using to support your assessment? Don’t forget to state your position clearly.

Review answers should not be purely descriptive; they must demonstrate a high level of analytical skill. The aim is not simply to regurgitate the works of other scholars, but rather to critically analyse these works.

However, when assessing a particular argument or topic, it is important that your thoughts on its significance are made clear. This must be supported by evidence, and secondary sources in the literature are a great start. Essentially, you need to convince the reader about the strength of your argument, using research to back up your assessment of the topic is essential. Highlight any limitations to your argument and remember to mention any counterarguments to your position.

Give a detailed examination of the topic by including knowledge of the various perspectives put forward by other scholars in relation to it. What are your thoughts on the subject based on the general debates in the literature? Remember to clearly state your position based on all the evidence you present.

You should also try to provide some context on why the issues and facts that you have closely examined are important. Have these issues and facts been examined differently by other scholars? If so, make a note of this. How did they differ in their approach and what are the factors that account for these alternative approaches?

‘Examine’ questions are less exploratory and discursive than some other types of question. They focus instead on asking you to critically examine particular pieces of evidence or facts to inform your analysis.

9. To what extent

Such questions require that you display the extent of your knowledge on a given subject and that you also adopt an analytical style in stating your position. This means that you must consider both sides of the argument, by present contrasting pieces of evidence. But ultimately, you must show why a particular set of evidence, or piece of information, is more valid for supporting your answer.

Question Words that Require a Descriptive Response

It is important that you provide more than one meaning if there are several of them as it shows that you are very familiar with the literature.

2. Demonstrate

Make sure you assert your position with these types of questions. It's even more important that you support your arguments with valid evidence in order to establish a strong case.

3. Describe

‘Describe’ question words focus less on the basic meaning of something, therefore, and more on its particular characteristics. These characteristics should form the building blocks of your answer.

4. Elaborate

In addition, always remember to back any claims with academic research. In explanatory answers it is important that you demonstrate a clear understanding of a research topic or argument. This comes across most convincingly if you present a clear interpretation of the subject or argument to the reader. Keep in mind any ‘what’, ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions as this will help you to structure a clear and logically coherent response. Coherence is extremely important in providing explanatory answers.

A somewhat detached, dispassionate tone can be particularly effective, in contrast to the more assertive, argumentative tone you might adopt for other types of essay question. Just remember that the key objective here is to give a nuanced account of a research topic or argument by examining its composite parts.

7. Identify

8. illustrate, 10. summarise, 11. clarify.

Such questions require you to shed light on a topic or, in some instances, break down a complex subject into simple parts. Coherence is very important for acing such questions, remembering to present your answer in a systematic manner.

12. Compare

Furthermore, you may also want to emphasise any differences, although the focus of your essay should be on establishing similarities.

13. Contrast

How to Strategically Structure Essay Based on Question Words

Understanding how to structure an essay based on question words is crucial for producing clear, focused, and compelling academic writing. The question words we analised above guide the direction of your response and dictate the type of content required. Recognising the demands of each question word allows you to strategically organise your essay, ensuring that your arguments are relevant and comprehensive. By mastering this approach, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing, making your academic work more persuasive and effective.

Here are a few more handy tips to bear in mind when addressing your essay questions:

When you first get your essay question, always try to understand exactly what the question means and what it is asking you to do. Look at the question word(s) and think about their meaning before you launch into planning what to write. Hopefully, our guide has shown you how to do this expertly.

Remember to read the question several times and consider any underlying assumptions behind the question. Highlight the key words and if possible, make a very basic draft outline of your response. This outline does not have to be detailed. But if you follow it as you write, it will help keep your response coherent and systematic.

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The Writing Guide

• The First Thing
• Step 1: Understanding the essay question

Identify task, content & limiting words in the essay question

Words, words, words..., academic writing webinar part 1.

• Step 2: Critical note-taking
• Step 3: Planning your assignment
• Step 4a: Effective writing
• Step 4b: Summarizing & paraphrasing
• Step 4c: Academic language
• Step 5: Editing and reviewing
• Getting started with research
• Working with keywords
• Evaluating sources
• Research file
• Reading Smarter
• Sample Essay
• What, why, where, when, who?
• Referencing styles
• Writing Resources
• Exams and Essay Questions

Essay topics contain key words that explain what information is required and how it is to be presented.  Using the essay question below indentify task content & limiting words.  Regardless of your topic or discipline, if you can identify these words in your essay topic, you can begin to consider what you will need to do to answer the question.

Task words : These are words that tell you what to do, for example “compare”, “discuss”, “critically evaluate”, “explain” etc.

Content words : These words in the essay topic will tell you which ideas and concepts should form the knowledge base of the assignment. Refer to subject specific dictionary or glossary.

Effective communication is considered a core skill in higher education and is usually conveyed through the medium of academic papers and essays. Discuss the process of writing academic essays and critically examine the importance of structure and content.

Before you scroll down to the next box, what can you unpack from this topic? What are you actually going to look for in a search tool like One Search? What are you supposed to do?

• Content Words
• Limiting Words
• Context Words

Task words are usually verbs and they tell you what to do to complete your assignment.

You need to identify these words, because you will need to follow these instructions to pass the assignment.  As you research and write your assignment, check these words occasionally to make sure you are still doing what you have been asked to do.

Here are some definitions of different academic task words.  Make sure you know exactly what you need to do for your assignment.

Don't try to use them in your research - they aren't things to find, only things to do.

The task words from our sample question are:

Effective communication is considered a core skill in higher education and is usually conveyed through the medium of academic papers and essays. Discuss the process of writing academic essays and critically examine the importance of structure and content.

• Discuss means to "consider and offer an interpretation or evaluation of something; or give a judgment on the value of arguments for and against something"
• Examine means to inspect something in detail and investigate the implications

So, you would need to give a short description of what essay writing is all about, and then offer an evaluation of the essay structure and the way it presents content.

• Task Words Here are some definitions of different academic task words. Make sure you know exactly what you need to do for your assignment.

The content words are the "meat" of the question - these are things you can research.

Effective communication is considered a core skill in higher education and is usually conveyed through the medium of academic papers and essays . Discuss the process of writing academic essays and critically examine the importance of structure and content .

You will often be asked to talk about "the role" something plays or "processes", "importance", "methods" or "implementations" - but you can't really research these things just by looking for those words.

You need to find the keywords - the most concrete concepts - and search for those.  The information you find about the concrete terms will tell you about the "roles" and "methods", the "process" or the "importance", but they probably won't use those words exactly.

One of the core skills of academic research is learning to extrapolate :  to find the connections in the information you can find that will help you answer the questions which don't have clear, cut-and-dry answers in the books and articles.

So, the core keywords/concepts to research are:

• "academic writing"
• "higher education"
• structure and content

Limiting words keep you focused on a particular area, and stop you from trying to research everything in the history of mankind.

They could limit you by:

• Time (you may be asked to focus on the last 5 years, or the late 20th Century, for example)
• Place (you may be asked to focus on Australia, or Queensland, or South-East Asia)
• People groups (such as "women over the age of 50" or "people from low socio-economic backgrounds" or "Australians of Asian descent")
• Extent (you are only to look at a particular area, or the details you believe are most relevant or appropriate).

In this example, you have two limits:

• "higher education" is the industry focus. This could be expanded to include the tertiary or university sector.
• Essays - we are concentrating on essay writing as the aspect of communication.  Note that this is also a content word. There can be (and usually is) some crossover.

Sometimes it can help to add your own limits .  With health sciences, you almost always limit your research to the last five or six years. Social sciences  are not as strict with the date range but it's still a good idea to keep it recent.  You could specifically look at the Australian context.  You may decide to focus on the private sector within that industry.

With the question above you could limit yourself to only looking at first year university students.

Sometimes an assignment task will give you phrases or sentences that aren't part of the task at all:  they exist to give you some context .

These can be ignored when you do your research, but you should read over them occasionally as you are writing your assignment.  They help you know what the lecturer was thinking about (and wanted you to think about) when they set that task.

Effective communication is considered a core skill in higher education and is usually conveyed through the medium of academic papers and essays . Discuss the process of writing academic essays and critically examine the importance of structure and content.

You don't have to do anything with the first sentence of this question - but it does get you to think specifically about the "using essays to communicate knoweldge" - something that isn't mentioned in the task itself.

Obviously, whoever wrote the task wants you to think about the assignments as a form of writing and communication.

It is easy to get distracted and go off on tangents when doing your research .  Use the context words to  help you keep your focus where it should be.

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• Next: Step 2: Critical note-taking >>
• Last Updated: Jul 12, 2024 4:02 PM
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How to Write a Good Answer to Exam Essay Questions

Last Updated: July 9, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Tristen Bonacci . Tristen Bonacci is a Licensed English Teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Tristen has taught in both the United States and overseas. She specializes in teaching in a secondary education environment and sharing wisdom with others, no matter the environment. Tristen holds a BA in English Literature from The University of Colorado and an MEd from The University of Phoenix. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 650,332 times.

Answering essay questions on an exam can be difficult and stressful, which can make it hard to provide a good answer. However, you can improve your ability to answer essay questions by learning how to understand the questions, form an answer, and stay focused. Developing your ability to give excellent answers on essay exams will take time and effort, but you can learn some good essay question practices and start improving your answers.

Understanding the Question

• Analyze: Explain the what, where, who, when, why, and how. Include pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, etc.
• Compare: Discuss the similarities and differences between two or more things. Don't forget to explain why the comparison is useful.
• Contrast: Discuss how two or more things are different or distinguish between them. Don't forget to explain why the contrast is useful.
• Define: State what something means, does, achieves, etc.
• Describe: List characteristics or traits of something. You may also need to summarize something, such as an essay prompt that asks "Describe the major events that led to the American Revolution."
• Discuss: This is more analytical. You usually begin by describing something and then present arguments for or against it. You may need to analyze the advantages or disadvantages of your subject.
• Evaluate: Offer the pros and cons, positives and negatives for a subject. You may be asked to evaluate a statement for logical support, or evaluate an argument for weaknesses.
• Explain: Explain why or how something happened, or justify your position on something.
• Prove: Usually reserved for more scientific or objective essays. You may be asked to include evidence and research to build a case for a specific position or set of hypotheses.
• Summarize: Usually, this means to list the major ideas or themes of a subject. It could also ask you to present the main ideas in order to then fully discuss them. Most essay questions will not ask for pure summary without anything else.

• Raise your hand and wait for your teacher to come over to you or approach your teacher’s desk to ask your question. This way you will be less likely to disrupt other test takers.

Forming Your Response

• Take a moment to consider your organization before you start writing your answer. What information should come first, second, third, etc.?
• In many cases, the traditional 5-paragraph essay structure works well. Start with an introductory paragraph, use 3 paragraphs in the body of the article to explain different points, and finish with a concluding paragraph.
• It can also be really helpful to draft a quick outline of your essay before you start writing.

• You may want to make a list of facts and figures that you want to include in your essay answer. That way you can refer to this list as you write your answer.
• It's best to write down all the important key topics or ideas before you get started composing your answer. That way, you can check back to make sure you haven't missed anything.

• For example, imagine that your essay question asks: "Should the FIFA World Cup be awarded to countries with human rights violations? Explain and support your answer."
• You might restate this as "Countries with human rights violations should not be awarded the FIFA World Cup because this rewards a nation's poor treatment of its citizens." This will be the thesis that you support with examples and explanation.

• For example, whether you argue that the FIFA World Cup should or should not be awarded to countries with human rights violations, you will want to address the opposing side's argument. However, it needs to be clear where your essay stands about the matter.
• Often, essay questions end up saying things along the lines of "There are many similarities and differences between X and Y." This does not offer a clear position and can result in a bad grade.

• If you are required to write your answer by hand, then take care to make your writing legible and neat. Some professors may deduct points if they cannot read what you have written.

Staying Calm and Focused

• If you get to a point during the exam where you feel too anxious to focus, put down your pencil (or take your hands off of the keyboard), close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Stretch your arms and imagine that you are somewhere pleasant for a few moments. When you have completed this brief exercise, open up your eyes and resume the exam.

• For example, if the exam period is one hour long and you have to answer three questions in that time frame, then you should plan to spend no more than 20 minutes on each question.
• Look at the weight of the questions, if applicable. For example, if there are five 10-point short-answers and a 50-point essay, plan to spend more time on the essay because it is worth significantly more. Don't get stuck spending so much time on the short-answers that you don't have time to develop a complex essay.

• This strategy is even more important if the exam has multiple essay questions. If you take too much time on the first question, then you may not have enough time to answer the other questions on the exam.

• If you feel like you are straying away from the question, reread the question and review any notes that you made to help guide you. After you get refocused, then continue writing your answer.
• Try to allow yourself enough time to go back and tighten up connections between your points. A few well-placed transitions can really bump up your grade.

Community Q&A

• If you are worried about running out of time, put your watch in front of you where you can see it. Just try not to focus on it too much. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you need more practice, make up your own questions or even look at some practice questions online! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Look up relevant quotes if your exam is open notes. Use references from books or class to back up your answers.
• Make sure your sentences flow together and that you don't repeat the same thing twice!

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• ↑ https://www.linnbenton.edu/student-services/library-tutoring-testing/learning-center/academic-coaching/documents/Strategies%20For%20Answering%20Essay%20Questions.pdf
• ↑ https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/short-answer-essays.php

About This Article

To write a good answer to an exam essay question, read the question carefully to find what it's asking, and follow the instructions for the essay closely. Begin your essay by rephrasing the question into a statement with your answer in the statement. Include supplemental facts and figures if necessary, or do textual analysis from a provided piece to support your argument. Make sure your writing is clear and to the point, and don't include extra information unless it supports your argument. For tips from our academic reviewer on understanding essay questions and dealing with testing nerves, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Identify, Explain, Analyse … essay question words

If you’re struggling with essay questions and wondering what they mean and how to answer them, you’ve come to the right place. While writing essays can be difficult, it’s important to do thorough research and present your arguments convincingly. However, understanding the different question words such as ‘discuss’, ‘examine’, and ‘justify’ is crucial to crafting a well-structured essay. Many students need help understanding the question requirements, but our guide on essay question words will help you avoid this pitfall and excel in your essay writing.

what are Question words?

Question words like ‘analyse’, ‘evaluate’ and ‘explain’ in essay titles indicate how to structure your essay. These words often require critical responses of varying degrees, while some may only require a descriptive answer. It’s important to always adhere to the question words regardless of their nature, as failing to do so can result in irrelevant and low-scoring essays. For instance, a question asking to compare the British and French upper houses of parliament requires more than just pointing out the differences between the two systems.

To avoid such mistakes, it’s recommended to read this guide. The guide categorises the question words as either ‘descriptive’ or ‘critical’ depending on their nature, which will help you identify the type of response required for your essay. Regardless of your level of knowledge in the subject area, misinterpreting the question words can lead to poor essay writing.

Question words that need a critical approach

Certain interrogative words necessitate a crucial response, and the extent to which your responses must be critical varies based on the specifications of the inquiry. We have outlined these distinctions for you below:

When essay questions use the term ‘analyse’ about a particular argument or topic, they require a comprehensive dissection. You must break down the topic or argument into its basic components. Additionally, you must conduct a critical examination of each of these parts. To do so, you should draw upon important debates and evidence to explore the arguments for and against the topic and consider how the different parts of the topic or argument are connected. Your analysis should not simply summarise key debates in the literature; rather, you should take a clear stance based on the evidence and tie your position to the literature.

To respond to an essay question that uses this particular term, the primary objective is to offer your own opinion or judgment about the accuracy of a set of research findings or an argument. You may also need to show the degree to which you concur with a argument or specific hypothesis. It is important to present information from various academic sources that support both sides of the argument. After providing an overview of the evidence, you should clearly state your position and support it with the evidence that led you to your conclusion.

When presented with a question that uses the term ‘justify,’ it is necessary to clarify the reasoning behind your argument by providing evidence that influenced your perspective. You must persuasively present your evidence in your response, showcasing valid reasons for adopting your stance. Additionally, it would be best to address opposing arguments before concluding your argument. This demonstrates a balanced view of the topic and a broad understanding of the relevant literature. To do this effectively, a critical approach is necessary. You should explain why alternative arguments are insufficient and why your argument is superior.

• Critically evaluate

To respond to a ‘critically evaluate’ question, you need to express your opinion on the validity of an argument or research results. To achieve this, you must evaluate the statement or research finding carefully and critically. Your essay response should be assertive and present your thoughts on the accuracy of the topic in question. It is important to support your claims with enough evidence and present a balanced analysis by critiquing alternative perspectives. In addition, it is important to draw evidence from various sources to make your essay response more convincing. To conclude, state your position clearly, explain your reasoning, and provide evidence that influenced your perspective. Finally, it is important to justify your position by presenting a well-reasoned and convincing argument to the reader.

If you encounter a question that includes the term ‘review,’ you are required to undertake a critical examination of a particular subject or argument. This involves summarizing the main themes or points and analyzing them in a critical manner while expressing your viewpoint. In essence, questions that use the term ‘review’ require you to assess the validity of the essay question.

For instance, if the question prompts you to review the literature on electoral reform in Great Britain, you should provide an overview that includes any significant arguments or issues that emerged. Next, you must logically and analytically comment on this material. This includes stating your agreement or disagreement with other scholars’ views and discussing contrasting perspectives. To support your assessment, it is essential to provide evidence, and you should clearly state your position.

Review answers should not be descriptive; instead, they must showcase high analytical skills. The objective is not to repeat the ideas of other scholars but to critically evaluate their work.

When faced with an ‘assess’ question, your task is to evaluate a particular argument or topic’s value, strengths, or weaknesses. Unlike other essay questions, ‘assess’ questions require you to consider multiple viewpoints rather than just expressing your opinion. To create a compelling argument, it is essential to express your ideas on the subject matter explicitly and substantiate them with evidence obtained from secondary sources in literature. The reader should be able to comprehend the robustness of your evaluation through evidence that supports your stance. Besides, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of your argument and tackle any opposing viewpoints that may emerge.

When you come across a ‘Discuss’ question word, you must provide a comprehensive answer encompassing all facets of the argument or research topic. To demonstrate your reasoning skills, you should utilise evidence to support or oppose the argument/research topic.

To conduct a comprehensive examination of the topic, it is advisable to take into account various viewpoints articulated by other researchers. After considering the key arguments presented in the literature, present your perspective on the topic. Clearly expressing your stance and substantiating it with all the relevant evidence is critical.

To conduct a comprehensive investigation of a research topic or argument, it is essential to closely examine the crucial facts and significant issues. Therefore, ‘examine’ question words necessitate an analytical approach. It is also crucial to provide some background information to explain why these issues and facts are important. Have other scholars examined these issues and facts differently? If so, it is necessary to note these differences, the reasons behind them, and compare them to your approach.

In contrast to other question words, the questions that use the term ‘examine’ are more focused and less broad, as they require you to analyse specific evidence or facts in a critical manner for your analysis.

• To what extent

This kind of question requires you to assess your level of agreement with a statement given in the question. To achieve this, you must conduct a thorough analysis of the subject and the evidence cited to support your stance. To address such questions, you must demonstrate your knowledge of the topic and use a critical approach to present your argument. You should examine both sides of the issue and present contrasting evidence. However, you must explain why specific evidence or information is more relevant in supporting your answer.

Question words that need a descriptive response

Sometimes, certain question words only need a description as a response, and this is true for the words listed below:

This question requires you to clearly define the subject matter, providing a detailed explanation of its meaning. If there are multiple definitions of the subject, mentioning them and explaining why you’ve chosen to use a particular definition is important. If there is disagreement among scholars regarding the definition, you should discuss this as well. Make sure to provide multiple meanings if they exist, demonstrating your familiarity with the literature.

• Demonstrate

To effectively answer ‘demonstrate’ questions, it is necessary to provide numerous examples, evidence, and logical arguments. The main objective is to show how a particular research topic or argument is legitimate by offering evidence and arguments to validate your claim. Emphasise your position when addressing such questions. It’s crucial to provide solid evidence to build a strong case.

To answer a “describe” question, it is essential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the primary features of a research topic impartially. As the responses to these questions are primarily descriptive, providing a narrative-style account or depiction is crucial. Rather than focusing on the fundamental meaning of the subject, “describe” questions emphasise its specific qualities, which should serve as the foundation of your answer.

In ‘elaborate’ questions, providing a comprehensive and detailed account of an argument or a research topic is necessary. Such questions typically require descriptive responses, so you must show that you have conducted thorough research to substantiate the information you provide.

To answer ‘explain’ questions, you must detail a research topic or argument. Pretend you describe it to someone who knows nothing about the subject and provide as much detail as possible. You should also define any jargon or key terms that you use. Additionally, you should support your claims with academic research. Your response should demonstrate your clear understanding of the topic or argument and present a coherent interpretation to the reader. To achieve coherence, it is helpful to consider the ‘what’, ‘how’, and ‘why’ questions and structure your response logically.

It is important to approach “exploratory” essay questions with a questioning attitude. Objectivity is crucial because you must present all viewpoints before stating your arguments. A detached, unemotional tone is often more effective than an assertive, argumentative tone. The objective is to provide a comprehensive description of an argument or research topic by analyzing its different components.

When presented with an essay question that uses the term ‘identity’ in relation to a research topic or argument, your task is to provide a succinct and well-structured explanation of the main ideas. This is similar to what has been done in this paragraph.

To respond to these questions, you must usually provide various examples, such as graphs, figures, tables or specific research data and evidence. The purpose of including these examples is to showcase your understanding of the topic and to provide additional explanations or support for your answer.

To provide an outline answer, you must present a structured summary of an argument or a research topic. Including only the main points and essential supplementary information is essential instead of getting bogged down in minor details. Ensure that your response is presented in a clear and organised manner.

When you’re tasked with summarising a research topic, you must provide a concise version of its main points or facts. Your focus should be on the most important information, and you should leave out all minor details. Summaries are usually short and straightforward, conveying the primary facts clearly and efficiently. The goal is to present the main points briefly and impactfully.

This means to elucidate a topic or argument and make it more understandable. This may involve clarifying a topic or an argument by presenting it in simpler terms. These questions need you to clarify or simplify a complex subject or topic. It is crucial to maintain coherence when answering such questions and to present your response systematically.

You must find commonalities between two or more discussion topics if asked to’ compare’. To go beyond a simple comparison, you should attempt to comprehend the origins of the similarities and their importance. Additionally, you should highlight differences, but your essay should focus on establishing similarities.

To answer ‘contrast’ questions, you need to highlight and explain the disparities between multiple subjects of discussion rather than their similarities, unlike ‘compare’ questions. The main focus should be on outlining the differences and identifying what distinguishes them from one another. When dealing with ‘contrast’ questions, keep these broad queries in mind.

By providing an explanation of the meaning of essay question words, we hope to offer guidance on how to approach them in your essay writing . Additionally, here are some tips to keep in mind when answering essay questions:

Firstly, make sure you fully comprehend the question and understand what is required of you. Thoroughly examine the question words and their meaning before you start planning your response.

Secondly, read the question multiple times and attempt to uncover any underlying assumptions or subtext. Highlight key phrases and create a basic outline of your response. This outline doesn’t need to be complex, but it will help you structure your response coherently.

Finally, before submitting your essay, review it carefully for inconsistencies and grammatical or spelling errors. It may be helpful to have a professional editor examine your work to provide fresh insights and identify areas for improvement.

Author Bio: Mark Edmonds is a seasoned academic writer and a proud member of the Academic Assignments team. With over a decade of experience in assignment writing services , Mark has helped numerous students achieve academic success through his expertise and guidance. He holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and has a keen eye for detail, which enables him to craft top-notch assignments that meet the highest standards of academic excellence.

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Home > Essay writing and study advice

• Help with understanding essay questions: 21 terms and phrases explained

In most subjects, understanding and answering essay questions is a key academic skill.

At an advanced level of study, this requires not merely the description or repetition of knowledge itself, but the analysis, evaluation and interpretation of knowledge.

If you do not fully understand the question however, you cannot make a full and appropriate response to it and so will not achieve the highest marks.

Therefore, interpreting questions correctly is extremely important.

Use this list of question types as a starting point to help you understand and answer questions that you encounter in exams and assessed coursework.

Top tip: whenever possible talk to tutors and fellow students to help clarify your understanding.

One Response to “Help with understanding essay questions: 21 terms and phrases explained”

This is really helpful for everyone who needs help breaking down what the essay question is really asking.

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• Focus and Precision: How to Write Essays that Answer the Question

About the Author Stephanie Allen read Classics and English at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, and is currently researching a PhD in Early Modern Academic Drama at the University of Fribourg.

We’ve all been there. You’ve handed in an essay and you think it’s pretty great: it shows off all your best ideas, and contains points you’re sure no one else will have thought of.

You’re not totally convinced that what you’ve written is relevant to the title you were given – but it’s inventive, original and good. In fact, it might be better than anything that would have responded to the question. But your essay isn’t met with the lavish praise you expected. When it’s tossed back onto your desk, there are huge chunks scored through with red pen, crawling with annotations like little red fire ants: ‘IRRELEVANT’; ‘A bit of a tangent!’; ‘???’; and, right next to your best, most impressive killer point: ‘Right… so?’. The grade your teacher has scrawled at the end is nowhere near what your essay deserves. In fact, it’s pretty average. And the comment at the bottom reads something like, ‘Some good ideas, but you didn’t answer the question!’.

If this has ever happened to you (and it has happened to me, a lot), you’ll know how deeply frustrating it is – and how unfair it can seem. This might just be me, but the exhausting process of researching, having ideas, planning, writing and re-reading makes me steadily more attached to the ideas I have, and the things I’ve managed to put on the page. Each time I scroll back through what I’ve written, or planned, so far, I become steadily more convinced of its brilliance. What started off as a scribbled note in the margin, something extra to think about or to pop in if it could be made to fit the argument, sometimes comes to be backbone of a whole essay – so, when a tutor tells me my inspired paragraph about Ted Hughes’s interpretation of mythology isn’t relevant to my essay on Keats, I fail to see why. Or even if I can see why, the thought of taking it out is wrenching. Who cares if it’s a bit off-topic? It should make my essay stand out, if anything! And an examiner would probably be happy not to read yet another answer that makes exactly the same points. If you recognise yourself in the above, there are two crucial things to realise. The first is that something has to change: because doing well in high school exam or coursework essays is almost totally dependent on being able to pin down and organise lots of ideas so that an examiner can see that they convincingly answer a question. And it’s a real shame to work hard on something, have good ideas, and not get the marks you deserve. Writing a top essay is a very particular and actually quite simple challenge. It’s not actually that important how original you are, how compelling your writing is, how many ideas you get down, or how beautifully you can express yourself (though of course, all these things do have their rightful place). What you’re doing, essentially, is using a limited amount of time and knowledge to really answer a question. It sounds obvious, but a good essay should have the title or question as its focus the whole way through . It should answer it ten times over – in every single paragraph, with every fact or figure. Treat your reader (whether it’s your class teacher or an external examiner) like a child who can’t do any interpretive work of their own; imagine yourself leading them through your essay by the hand, pointing out that you’ve answered the question here , and here , and here. Now, this is all very well, I imagine you objecting, and much easier said than done. But never fear! Structuring an essay that knocks a question on the head is something you can learn to do in a couple of easy steps. In the next few hundred words, I’m going to share with you what I’ve learned through endless, mindless crossings-out, rewordings, rewritings and rethinkings.

Top tips and golden rules

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been told to ‘write the question at the top of every new page’- but for some reason, that trick simply doesn’t work for me. If it doesn’t work for you either, use this three-part process to allow the question to structure your essay:

1)     Work out exactly what you’re being asked

It sounds really obvious, but lots of students have trouble answering questions because they don’t take time to figure out exactly what they’re expected to do – instead, they skim-read and then write the essay they want to write. Sussing out a question is a two-part process, and the first part is easy. It means looking at the directions the question provides as to what sort of essay you’re going to write. I call these ‘command phrases’ and will go into more detail about what they mean below. The second part involves identifying key words and phrases.

2)     Be as explicit as possible

Use forceful, persuasive language to show how the points you’ve made do answer the question. My main focus so far has been on tangential or irrelevant material – but many students lose marks even though they make great points, because they don’t quite impress how relevant those points are. Again, I’ll talk about how you can do this below.

3)     Be brutally honest with yourself about whether a point is relevant before you write it.

It doesn’t matter how impressive, original or interesting it is. It doesn’t matter if you’re panicking, and you can’t think of any points that do answer the question. If a point isn’t relevant, don’t bother with it. It’s a waste of time, and might actually work against you- if you put tangential material in an essay, your reader will struggle to follow the thread of your argument, and lose focus on your really good points.

Put it into action: Step One

Let’s imagine you’re writing an English essay about the role and importance of the three witches in Macbeth . You’re thinking about the different ways in which Shakespeare imagines and presents the witches, how they influence the action of the tragedy, and perhaps the extent to which we’re supposed to believe in them (stay with me – you don’t have to know a single thing about Shakespeare or Macbeth to understand this bit!). Now, you’ll probably have a few good ideas on this topic – and whatever essay you write, you’ll most likely use much of the same material. However, the detail of the phrasing of the question will significantly affect the way you write your essay. You would draw on similar material to address the following questions: Discuss Shakespeare’s representation of the three witches in Macbeth . How does Shakespeare figure the supernatural in Macbeth ?   To what extent are the three witches responsible for Macbeth’s tragic downfall? Evaluate the importance of the three witches in bringing about Macbeth’s ruin. Are we supposed to believe in the three witches in Macbeth ? “Within Macbeth ’s representation of the witches, there is profound ambiguity about the actual significance and power of their malevolent intervention” (Stephen Greenblatt). Discuss.   I’ve organised the examples into three groups, exemplifying the different types of questions you might have to answer in an exam. The first group are pretty open-ended: ‘discuss’- and ‘how’-questions leave you room to set the scope of the essay. You can decide what the focus should be. Beware, though – this doesn’t mean you don’t need a sturdy structure, or a clear argument, both of which should always be present in an essay. The second group are asking you to evaluate, constructing an argument that decides whether, and how far something is true. Good examples of hypotheses (which your essay would set out to prove) for these questions are:

• The witches are the most important cause of tragic action in Macbeth.
• The witches are partially, but not entirely responsible for Macbeth’s downfall, alongside Macbeth’s unbridled ambition, and that of his wife.
• We are not supposed to believe the witches: they are a product of Macbeth’s psyche, and his downfall is his own doing.
• The witches’ role in Macbeth’s downfall is deliberately unclear. Their claim to reality is shaky – finally, their ambiguity is part of an uncertain tragic universe and the great illusion of the theatre. (N.B. It’s fine to conclude that a question can’t be answered in black and white, certain terms – as long as you have a firm structure, and keep referring back to it throughout the essay).

The final question asks you to respond to a quotation. Students tend to find these sorts of questions the most difficult to answer, but once you’ve got the hang of them I think the title does most of the work for you – often implicitly providing you with a structure for your essay. The first step is breaking down the quotation into its constituent parts- the different things it says. I use brackets: ( Within Macbeth ’s representation of the witches, ) ( there is profound ambiguity ) about the ( actual significance ) ( and power ) of ( their malevolent intervention ) Examiners have a nasty habit of picking the most bewildering and terrifying-sounding quotations: but once you break them down, they’re often asking for something very simple. This quotation, for example, is asking exactly the same thing as the other questions. The trick here is making sure you respond to all the different parts. You want to make sure you discuss the following:

• Do you agree that the status of the witches’ ‘malevolent intervention’ is ambiguous?
• What is its significance?
• How powerful is it?

Step Two: Plan

Having worked out exactly what the question is asking, write out a plan (which should be very detailed in a coursework essay, but doesn’t have to be more than a few lines long in an exam context) of the material you’ll use in each paragraph. Make sure your plan contains a sentence at the end of each point about how that point will answer the question. A point from my plan for one of the topics above might look something like this:

To what extent are we supposed to believe in the three witches in Macbeth ?  Hypothesis: The witches’ role in Macbeth’s downfall is deliberately unclear. Their claim to reality is uncertain – finally, they’re part of an uncertain tragic universe and the great illusion of the theatre. Para.1: Context At the time Shakespeare wrote Macbeth , there were many examples of people being burned or drowned as witches There were also people who claimed to be able to exorcise evil demons from people who were ‘possessed’. Catholic Christianity leaves much room for the supernatural to exist This suggests that Shakespeare’s contemporary audience might, more readily than a modern one, have believed that witches were a real phenomenon and did exist.

My final sentence (highlighted in red) shows how the material discussed in the paragraph answers the question. Writing this out at the planning stage, in addition to clarifying your ideas, is a great test of whether a point is relevant: if you struggle to write the sentence, and make the connection to the question and larger argument, you might have gone off-topic.

Step Three: Paragraph beginnings and endings

The final step to making sure you pick up all the possible marks for ‘answering the question’ in an essay is ensuring that you make it explicit how your material does so. This bit relies upon getting the beginnings and endings of paragraphs just right. To reiterate what I said above, treat your reader like a child: tell them what you’re going to say; tell them how it answers the question; say it, and then tell them how you’ve answered the question. This need not feel clumsy, awkward or repetitive. The first sentence of each new paragraph or point should, without giving too much of your conclusion away, establish what you’re going to discuss, and how it answers the question. The opening sentence from the paragraph I planned above might go something like this:

Early modern political and religious contexts suggest that Shakespeare’s contemporary audience might more readily have believed in witches than his modern readers.

The sentence establishes that I’m going to discuss Jacobean religion and witch-burnings, and also what I’m going to use those contexts to show. I’d then slot in all my facts and examples in the middle of the paragraph. The final sentence (or few sentences) should be strong and decisive, making a clear connection to the question you’ve been asked:

  Contemporary suspicion that witches did exist, testified to by witch-hunts and exorcisms, is crucial to our understanding of the witches in Macbeth.  To the early modern consciousness, witches were a distinctly real and dangerous possibility – and the witches in the play would have seemed all-the-more potent and terrifying as a result.

Step Four: Practice makes perfect

The best way to get really good at making sure you always ‘answer the question’ is to write essay plans rather than whole pieces. Set aside a few hours, choose a couple of essay questions from past papers, and for each:

• Write a hypothesis
• Write a rough plan of what each paragraph will contain
• Write out the first and last sentence of each paragraph

You can get your teacher, or a friend, to look through your plans and give you feedback. If you follow this advice, fingers crossed, next time you hand in an essay, it’ll be free from red-inked comments about irrelevance, and instead showered with praise for the precision with which you handled the topic, and how intently you focused on answering the question. It can seem depressing when your perfect question is just a minor tangent from the question you were actually asked, but trust me – high praise and good marks are all found in answering the question in front of you, not the one you would have liked to see. Teachers do choose the questions they set you with some care, after all; chances are the question you were set is the more illuminating and rewarding one as well.

Image credits: banner ; Keats ; Macbeth ; James I ; witches .

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essay question

Definition of essay question

Examples of essay question in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essay question.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1947, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near essay question

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“Essay question.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essay%20question. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.

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A strong analytical question

• speaks to a genuine dilemma presented by your sources . In other words, the question focuses on a real confusion, problem, ambiguity, or gray area, about which readers will conceivably have different reactions, opinions, or ideas.  
• yields an answer that is not obvious . If you ask, "What did this author say about this topic?” there’s nothing to explore because any reader of that text would answer that question in the same way. But if you ask, “how can we reconcile point A and point B in this text,” readers will want to see how you solve that inconsistency in your essay.  
• suggests an answer complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of discussion. If the question is too vague, it won't suggest a line of argument. The question should elicit reflection and argument rather than summary or description.  
• can be explored using the sources you have available for the assignment , rather than by generalizations or by research beyond the scope of your assignment.  

How to come up with an analytical question  

One useful starting point when you’re trying to identify an analytical question is to look for points of tension in your sources, either within one source or among sources. It can be helpful to think of those points of tension as the moments where you need to stop and think before you can move forward. Here are some examples of where you may find points of tension:

• You may read a published view that doesn’t seem convincing to you, and you may want to ask a question about what’s missing or about how the evidence might be reconsidered.  
• You may notice an inconsistency, gap, or ambiguity in the evidence, and you may want to explore how that changes your understanding of something.  
• You may identify an unexpected wrinkle that you think deserves more attention, and you may want to ask a question about it.  
• You may notice an unexpected conclusion that you think doesn’t quite add up, and you may want to ask how the authors of a source reached that conclusion.  
• You may identify a controversy that you think needs to be addressed, and you may want to ask a question about how it might be resolved.  
• You may notice a problem that you think has been ignored, and you may want to try to solve it or consider why it has been ignored.  
• You may encounter a piece of evidence that you think warrants a closer look, and you may raise questions about it.  

Once you’ve identified a point of tension and raised a question about it, you will try to answer that question in your essay. Your main idea or claim in answer to that question will be your thesis.

• "How" and "why" questions generally require more analysis than "who/ what/when/where” questions.  
• Good analytical questions can highlight patterns/connections, or contradictions/dilemmas/problems.  
• Good analytical questions establish the scope of an argument, allowing you to focus on a manageable part of a broad topic or a collection of sources.  
• Good analytical questions can also address implications or consequences of your analysis.
• picture_as_pdf Asking Analytical Questions

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• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples

The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type. 

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

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Table of contents

Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

• The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
• The body presents your evidence and arguments
• The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

• In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
• In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
• In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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Are you looking for some of the best definition essay topics available? If so, you are in the right place. In this blog post, we have discussed great definition paper topics that can help you complete your assignment. Continue reading to understand the meaning of definition essay topics, explore the best way to select one, and get common tips to help you write a quality essay. Our essay writing services have also provided a list of topic ideas on various subjects to guide your research and writing.

What Are Definition Essay Topics?

A definition essay is a paper that explains the meaning of an idea, word, or term. It can also be described as an intricate dictionary that not only defines a term but also provide in-depth explanation and illustrations. Definition essay topics are the primary subject matters in a definition essay. Writers expound on definitions essay topics to inform readers about concepts or explain a word or term that has an abstract meaning.  When researching topics for a definition essay, you should explore alternative interpretations from different perspectives. In other words, you can provide both official meaning and your personal interpretation with multiple examples. This type of paper, in many instances, should not be more than 250-500 words long.

Characteristics of Good Definition Essay Topics

Good definition essay topics share some unique characteristics. When selecting a subject matter, you should consider an issue that is simple to write and is interesting to readers. So, what is a good topic for a definition essay? Good definition paper topics should:

• Have multiple meanings and interpretations.
• Relate to unique word, phrase, or concept that will engage readers.
• Discuss a subject that is both interesting and informative.
• Relate to subjects that you have many different perspectives on.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

Topics you select play a key role in determining your success in writing an academic paper. Choosing definition topics can be very challenging. In many cases, instructor will provide you with a list of ideas to pick from. However, in other scenarios, you may be required to research a definition essay topic from scratch. In this section, you will find common tips to guide you in choosing paper topics. Follow the steps below to select a good definition paper topic.

• Select good words to write a definition essay on. Avoid words with single meanings.
• Pick argumentative phrases and concepts which will enable you to express your writing skills and knowledge on your preferred subject. You should be able to write more than one paragraph on your selected topics.
• Check for unique words and phrases that can engage your potential readers.
• Develop a list of all possible topics to select from.
• Choose a topic you are sure about. Select a topic that you have broad knowledge and points of view on.

It’s always a great idea to consult your professor before commencing a task. But if you need some writing inspiration, take a look below or try our Random Essay Topic Generator .

Best Definition Essay Topics List

Choosing a good topic is your first step towards writing a good academic paper. If you follow tips provided in sections above, you should be able to select some of the best definition essay topics available. Definition essay topic list below outlines great examples that you can choose from.

• How can you define fun?
• What does affirmative action mean and how is it being used in present-day society?
• What is religion?
• Define the argument concept.
• How do you define social class?
• What is artificial intelligence?
• Are centralized and decentralized governments any different?
• What is a personal understanding of power?
• What is cryptocurrency and how does it deviate from the conventional financial system?
• What is your understanding of corporate social responsibility?

Definitional Argument Essay Topics

For definition argument essay topics, you need to write about subjects that attract divergent opinions and thus, closely debated. Therefore, rather than having a topic that is straightforward and one-dimensional, definition argument topics should be argumentative in nature. Below are some examples of definitional argument topics in case you don’t know how to title an essay :

• Physical activity should be encouraged more in schools.
• Explain advantages and disadvantages of capital punishment.
• Do high school students benefit from take-away assignments?
• Abortion should be a legalized service.
• Sex education should be included in school curricula from an early age.
• Plastic surgery creates unrealistic beauty standards.
• Is working out beneficial to your mental health?
• Vaping is more dangerous compared to smoking.
• Grading should be abolished in schools.
• Genetically modified products are dangerous and should be abolished.
• Video games negatively affect children’s social development.
• Tertiary education should be free.
• Is it ethical to use animals as test subjects?
• Euthanizing animals is unethical.
• Should vaccination be made mandatory?

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Contrary to other topic categories, extended definition essay topics take up more pages. A simple elucidation will not suffice. You will need to provide elaborate explanations and illustrations for readers to better understand extended definition topics. Below are some examples of extended definition essay topic ideas that you can use:

• What does true friendship mean in modern-day society?
• What makes a good partner in marriage?
• What does misogyny and bigotry mean in the 21st century?
• What are the main characteristics of a good leader?
• Religious bigotry in Pakistan.
• What is your interpretation of a mature individual?
• What makes a person trustworthy?
• What is your definition of a happy marriage?
• What is the difference between ego and high personal standards?
• How can you define common sense?
• What is a creative mind?
• What is a healthy weight?
• Who is a patriotic citizen?
• Who is an intelligent person to you?
• What are the characteristics of a good person?

Need more ideas? Check our blog with extended essay topics and spot a catchy title.

Controversial Definition Paper Topics

Due to people’s divergent opinions, some subjects are very controversial. You risk offending a certain group of your readers when discussing controversial paper ideas. You should, therefore, pay more attention and be keener when discussing them. Below are examples of controversial topics for definition papers:

• Ethical justification of death penalty.
• Different ages of consent across different cultures.
• Is abortion the murdering of an unborn child?
• What is the meaning of gun control?
• What is social media addiction?
• What is the definition of mental disorder in modern society?
• Difference between sex and gender.
• What is a physician-assisted suicide?
• What is the modern interpretation of feminism?
• What is a juvenile correctional system in the US?
• What laws regulate immigration in America?
• What is freedom of speech in the context of modern society?
• What are the residency rights of Palestinian in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
• What is considered as explicit content in 21st century society?
• What is home-schooling and its benefits?

Good Topics for a Definition Essay

To select good topics for definition essays, you need to have a perfect balance of creativity and intellect to come up with a subject that will intrigue your audience. Also, good definition essay topics should be simple to write and not complex to follow for your readers. Below is a list of some good topics:

• What does “peace of mind” mean?
• What is your perception of poverty in different social classes?
• Define different types of art.
• What is your personal understanding of love?
• What is reverse racism?
• What is global warming and how does it impact climate change?
• Difference between respect and admiration.
• What is your understanding of the term “natural beauty”?
• What is the meaning of good parenting?
• Define the concept of the rule of law.
• Define the right to privacy in the context of modern-day technology.
• What does sportsmanship mean?
• Explain peer pressure and its impact on school-going children?
• What is online shopping?
• What is the meaning of the term “gender neutral”?

Once you spot a perfect idea and realize that the deadline is approaching, remember that you can trust professionals and order an essay online at StudyCrumb .

Creative Definition Essay Topics

You need creative definition essay writing topics if you wish to capture your readers’ attention. When exploring definition topic ideas for your essay, you should ensure that it is not only informative but also intriguing. In this section, you will come across some of the most creative topic ideas that you can use to develop a good essay.

• What is love at first sight?
• What is a respectable job?
• How do you differentiate pleasure from happiness?
• What is the difference between risk-taking and stupid decisions?
• What is courage?
• How does high self-esteem differ from arrogance?
• What is the meaning of self-respect?
• Define creativity and provide different types of creative works.
• What is the meaning of a creative mind?
• What is a nuclear family and its composition?
• Define the concept of best friends.
• How can you discern self-respect from pride?
• Are religious people more moral?
• Why are the best students less successful in life compared to average students?
• How do you define dedication in a relationship?

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Complexity of definition essay topics varies depending on students’ academic level or the target reader. For example, a high school student will work on an easy topic for a definition essay compared to a college student. Below are some simple topics for a definition paper:

• What is racism?
• What does it mean to be a good student?
• What is the meaning of term “peer pressure”?
• What is the meaning of laziness?
• What is greed?
• What is the meaning of cyberbullying?
• What is classical music?
• What is the definition of charisma?
• What does it mean to become wealthy?
• What exactly is hard work?
• How do you keep power?
• How can you define the word optimism?
• What does the term “ agriculture ” mean?
• What is the meaning of indoor sports?
• What is the meaning of teamwork?

Definition Essay Ideas for Students

Sometimes, instructors may require students to write a definition essay. Good topics for definition essay should be relevant to the course content or school curriculum in general. Moreover, ideas for definition essays tend to vary depending on the academic level of students and their majors. This section outlines common definition essay topics across the high school and college levels.

Definition Essay Topics for High School

In this section, we will discuss definition essay topics that are suitable for students in grades 9-12. High school definition topics are simpler. Some definition essay topics often relate to grade-specific information. Some of the best topics are outlined below.

• Explain the meaning of trust in the context of friendship.
• What is the right age to start dating?
• Differentiate between knowledge and wisdom.
• Define the term “conspiracy theory”.
• Differentiate between marriage and cohabitation.
• Define the communism concept.
• Define consumerism in present-day society.
• Define antisemitism.
• Discern intellectual from intelligent.
• What is the meaning of positive discrimination and how can it be used for the benefit of society?
• Differentiate between nature and nurturing in the development of children.
• Meaning of avatar in the metaverse.
• What is conflict management?
• Define Murphy’s Law and how it can be applied in your life.
• Discuss the meaning of birth control.

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

Definition essay topics for college students are more advanced. Unlike at the high school level, where topics are not very complex, college students may be expected to research on topics that have multidimensional points of view. Are you finding trouble coming up with topics for definition paper? You can pick one from options provided below.

• What is the meaning of Islamophobia?
• Define the 3rd wave of feminism.
• Define gene therapy and its role in the medical field.
• What is the meaning of materialism and how does it vary in different cultures?
• Differentiate between communism and capitalism.
• How is male and female gaze used differently in cinema?
• Define virtual education.
• How have beauty standards evolved since the 20th century to the present-day?
• Define Xenophobia in American society.
• What is multiculturalism and how does it impact modern society?
• How does social media affect attractiveness standards?
• Define the concept of utilitarianism.
• What is the meaning of a marriage in 21st century society?
• Define and discuss effects of digital revolution.
• What is green energy?

In case you also need ideas for a descriptive essay , we’ve got a blog with a whole assortment of interesting topics. 

Definition Essay Prompts

Haven’t found ideas for a definition essay that intrigues you from the options above? Do not worry. There are still many prompts for a definition essay that are discussed in this section. There are many prompt options on multiple subjects to choose from. Ideas for definition essays have been filtered and categorized into various subjects to inspire your academic writing. Depending on your interests and preference, you can select the clearly sorted topics from the categories below.

Definition Essay Topics About Love

Love is a complex subject. The meaning of love and how it is illustrated varies from one person to another. At one point in your life, you must have experienced love. Love is a term that has multiple meanings and varied implications, making it a widely discussed definitional essay topics. Below are some of the popular definition ideas about love.

• What types of love do you know?
• Define various characteristics of love.
• Love between human and non-human.
• Define the term “love language”.
• Is love at first sight a true phenomenon?
• Is parental love automatic?
• Is there a difference between love and friendship?
• What is the meaning of self-love?
• Discuss true love.
• Does passion affect a person’s mental health?
• What is God’s love?
• Define same-sex love.
• The meaning of love in different cultural setups around the world.
• What is your ideal Valentine’s Day date?
• Define the term “soul mate”.

Family Definition Topics

Family is another multidimensional subject that has a wide spectrum of meanings. You can approach the issue from different angles, including family values, members of a family, and other related aspects. Definition paper topics about family should be written in a manner that will make it feel personal to attain optimum reaction from readers. Below is a list of ideas for a definition essay.

• What is the structure of a 21st century family?
• Effect of teenage pregnancy on families.
• Explain child marriage.
• How does the concept of family vary across different cultures around the world?
• What is the meaning of a nuclear family in present-day society?
• Differentiate between an immediate and a chosen family.
• How does the increased rate of divorce affect families?
• Compare the traditional understanding of family to the modern meaning.
• Define family values in today’s society.
• How has the internet and technology affected the institution of family?
• Differentiate joint families from private families.
• How does foster families impact child development?
• Define the primary role of a family in your life.
• Define the elements of a strong family.
• How do financial problems affect the stability of families?

Friendship Definition Essay Prompt Ideas

Friendship is another subject that is very close to many people’s hearts. Most of us have at least one person we call a friend. Relationship dynamics between different friends vary. It is understandable for people to have diverse opinions and strong feelings about the subject. As a result, there are many definition essay prompts on friendship for you to choose from. Some of the definition papers topics include:

• Explain the meaning of a true friendship.
• How much commitment does true friendship need?
• Discuss the concept of “friends with benefit”.
• Can you discern friendship from love?
• Are friends closer to you than family?
• What are the impacts of friends on your personality?
• Differentiate between online friends and physical friends.
• Define the concept of “best friends forever”.
• Is a dog a man’s best friend?
• How can you elaborate “friendship zone”?
• Define a platonic relationship.
• Can family members be friends?
• What is the ultimate test of true friendship?
• Can you have more than one best friend?
• What is your understanding of the phrase “loyal friend”?

Hero Definition Essay Topics

A person’s idea of heroes and their qualities varies from one time to another. Besides, there is no universal standard for categorizing individuals as heroes. You can easily come up with many hero definition topic ideas due to these divergent opinions. Examples of definitive essay topics on this subject include:

• Who is a hero?
• Explain visual presentation of heroes in the past versus present-day society.
• What are some characteristics of a hero?
• Discuss the stereotyping of heroes in Hollywood.
• Are heroes supposed to perform heroic actions?
• Origin of super human abilities as a stereotypical characteristic of a hero.
• Mythological versus modern-day heroes.
• Differentiate between role models and heroes.
• How can heroes inspire you?
• Define different types of heroes.
• Define the term “anti-hero”.
• What is a hero in real life?
• Explain how the concept of hero varies from one culture to another.
• Is possessing superpowers a mandatory requirement to be a hero?
• Define heroes as portrayed in Ancient Greek mythology.

Definition Essay Topics by Subject

Ideas for definition essays can fall into different categories depending on intention or the nature of the paper. We have grouped topics for a definition essay into six categories to simplify the process of selecting your preferred topic. Rather than looking through all definition topics, you can easily focus on the subject that aligns to your academic writing interests.

Business Definition Essay Topics

Below are good topics for a definition essay related to business:

• Define economic depression.
• What is the meaning of e-commerce?
• What is social media marketing?
• Define the term “start-up”.
• What is the meaning of acquisition, merger?
• Define international trade.
• What is corporate social responsibility?
• What is a business?
• Important roles of statistics in business.
• What does small and mid-size enterprise mean?

Definition Essay Topics on History

Learning about history is pivotal in ensuring that you are prepared for future events. Some of the best definition essay ideas include:

• What is history?
• Define the abolitionist movement.
• What is the American Civil War?
• Define the Arab Spring.
• What is independence?
• What is colonization?
• What was the Civil Rights Movement?
• What is a war?
• Discuss the Vietnam War.
• Define the concept of revolution.

Politics Definition Essay Topics

There are many different political systems in the world. In addition, political leaders have diverse political ideologies. As a result, people approach political science topics from different points of view. Commonly discussed topics for a definition essay include:

• What is democracy?
• Define federal versus state government.
• What is a monarchy?
• Define anarchism.
• Define the term “whistleblowing”.
• What does the term “witch hunt” mean?
• Define the Fifth Amendment and efforts to enact it.
• What is a totalitarian regime?
• What is a political party?
• What is a trade union?

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

Philosophers in the past have been credited for the development of present-day society, government, and the education system. As a result, many philosophical things have been discussed over the years. Below is a list of some common definition topic ideas:

• Define devotion.
• What is utilitarianism?
• What is freedom?
• Define humanity.
• How do you define justice?
• Define beauty.
• Define conflict of interest.
• How can you explain the term “aura”?
• Retribution versus rehabilitation.
• Define consciousness.

Definition Essay Topics on Psychology

The study and practice of psychological concepts have increased significantly in the recent past. Below is a list of good definition essay topics related to the subject in case you are also interested:

• Define attachment theory.
• What does absolute threshold mean?
• Explain the placebo effect?
• What is a mental disorder?
• Define avoidance learning.
• What is a conditional reflex?
• Define PTSD.
• What is emotional intelligence?
• Is gender dysphoria a mental disorder?
• Define depression.

Technology & Science Definition Essay Topics

With advancements in technology, many people have increased interest in technology and science. The list below outlines definition essay topics that you can use for your paper. Check these ideas or browse these technology research topics if you need more suggestions.

• What is clean energy?
• Define fossil fuel.
• Explain the term “augmented intelligence”.
• Define identity theft.
• Define virtual assistance software.
• Define right to privacy in the current digital era.
• What does the technological term “cookies” mean?
• What is cloud computing?
• What is technology?
• Define targeted marketing.

Liked the ideas? We have more blogs dedicated to different title ideas such as expository essay topics , analysis essay topics , satirical essy topics etc. Browse through our articles to find a fitting topic for any assignment.

Bottom Line on Definition Essay Topics

In sum, a definition essay is a common type of an academic paper that requires you to define a word, term, or concept. As a student, you should be able to select good topics for a definition paper. This article provides you with excellent tips to help you in the process of identifying great definition essay topic ideas. In addition, the blog post has many examples of definition essay ideas on various subjects to simplify the writing process for you. This post should increase your chances of success in writing a definition paper.

Our academic writers are the ones you need to look up. Our professionals always deliver high-quality papers on time. Feel free to choose one of the topic ideas and contact StudyCrumb to get your essay done in no time!

FAQ About Definition Paper Topics

1. what are some good definition speech topics.

Not all definition essay topics are suitable for public speech. You should choose a topic that will capture the attention of your audience. Popular definition speech ideas include:

• What is the meaning of discipline?
• What is the modern-day standard of success?
• What are the benefits of electric vehicles?
• What is the value of time?

3. What are some great definition essay topic ideas?

This list outlines some great topic for definition essay that you can use for your definition paper.

• What is industrialization and how does it affect today’s society?
• What is grief?
• What does liberalism mean as a political movement?
• Define religion and its role in society.
• Discuss roles of religion in promoting radicalization.

2. What are popular argumentative definition essay topics?

Good definitional argument topics ideas are characterized by divergent opinions. Example of these topics include:

• Define pro-life versus pro-choice.
• Define same-sex marriage?
• Define patriotism in the context of American society.
• Define overpopulation and its danger to earth’s ecosystem.
• Define economic disparity across different ethnicities.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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Definition Essay Topics - Best Picks for You

In this article, you'll embark on a learning journey to grasp the ins and outs of what makes a definition essay unique. We'll guide you through the art of crafting these essays, providing you with the essential skills and techniques to express your ideas effectively. But that's not all – our platform, where you have the option to buy essay online , will also open the door to a world of inspiration with a plethora of engaging topic suggestions and enlightening example essays. With this resource at your fingertips, you're poised to become a confident and skilled at writing a definition essay in no time!

What is Definition Essay

Definition essay is a type of academic writing that aims to explain the meaning of a specific term, concept, or idea in detail.

At first glance, a definition essay might seem like the most straightforward form of writing. After all, it's right there in the name, isn't it? You define something, and you're done! Well, not quite. While the basic premise is to provide a clear and concise explanation of a particular term or concept, the true artistry of your definition custom essays lies in its ability to transcend mere dictionary definitions. It's a form of linguistic gymnastics, a quest to unlock the multifaceted nature of words and ideas.

Consider this: Is a tree merely a collection of roots, branches, leaves, and bark? Or is it something more profound? Exploring a topic for a definition essay ventures beyond the ordinary to dissect these elements, exploring their significance, historical context, and even their emotional resonance. It delves into the nuances, exposing the rich tapestry of meanings that a single word can carry.

One of the most alluring aspects of the definition essay topics is its dance with ambiguity. Words are not always neatly packaged entities; they often morph with time and context. What was once a straightforward term can evolve into a complex, multidimensional concept. This essay form allows writers to revel in this ambiguity, to question and examine the ever-shifting boundaries of language.

When generating captivating definition research paper topics , these concise points can serve as a starting point:

• Cultural Shifts : Investigate how societal changes reshape a term's meaning.
• Controversial Concepts : Explore terms sparking debates with multiple interpretations.
• Untranslatable Words : Delve into culturally unique, untranslatable terms.
• Morphing in the Digital Age : Examine how digital advancements redefine terminology.
• Philosophical Abstractions : Analyze complex philosophical concepts.
• Cultural Context : Study how terms vary across cultures and regions.
• Concepts in Literature and Art : Explore how artists redefine terms.

Key Aspects of Good Definition Essay Topics

Choosing the right definition essay topic can be as daunting as searching for buried treasure. However, when it comes to writing a definition essay, the quest for the perfect topic becomes an art in itself. So, what are the key aspects of a captivating definition essay topic? Let's embark on this intellectual adventure and unearth the gems hidden within these topics.

• Complexity and Depth : Much like when learning how to write a hook for an essay , look for terms that aren't just superficial labels but concepts with depth, history, and room for interpretation.
• Controversy and Debate : Seek out topics that spark debate and controversy. These are the battlefields of ideas, where multiple perspectives collide.
• Relevance and Significance : The best topics are those that resonate with the times. A topic that speaks to the human experience, both past and present, is worth its weight in gold.
• Personal Connection : A great definition essay topic often has a personal resonance. This personal connection can infuse your essay with passion and authenticity, making it more engaging for your readers.
• Room for Exploration : A good topic should provide ample room for exploration. It shouldn't be so narrow that you run out of things to say after a few paragraphs, nor so broad that it becomes overwhelming.
• Intellectual Challenge : Embrace the challenge. A good topic should make you think, question, and dig deeper. It should push you to research, analyze, and perhaps even challenge your own assumptions.
• Uniqueness : Finally, strive for uniqueness. While classic topics have their merits, exploring lesser-known terms or offering a fresh perspective on a well-trodden path can make your essay stand out.

Diving into Intriguing Definition Essay Topics

Having a captivating informative essay topics or social issues topics at your disposal is like holding the key to unlocking a world of ideas. It's your ticket to dive deep into a subject, concept, or notion and let your creativity soar. Below, you'll find an endless list of definition essay topic ideas to spark your creativity and inspire your writing journey. So, let your exploration begin!

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Having a captivating topic at your disposal is like holding the key to unlocking a world of ideas. It's your ticket to dive deep into a subject, concept, or notion and let your creativity soar. Below, you'll find an endless list of captivating topic ideas to spark your creativity and inspire your writing journey. So, let your exploration begin!

Extended Definition Essay Topics

• Resilience: How do we not just overcome challenges but learn and grow from them?
• Define "civilization" beyond advanced technology. Consider factors like ethics and social structures.
• Happy Accidents: What makes a lucky find turn into something truly amazing?
• Distinguish true innovation from mere invention. How does innovation address current needs?
• How does disinformation differ from simple misinformation?
• With technology getting more advanced, what does it mean to be a cyborg? 
• Define sustainability beyond environmentalism. How does it encompass social and economic factors?
• What does it mean to be a global citizen in an interconnected world? 
• Define cultural appropriation with nuance. How can we appreciate cultures without disrespecting them?
• In an increasingly demanding world, define a healthy work-life balance. How can we achieve it?
• Nostalgia: Why do we love remembering the good old days, even if they weren't perfect?
• Analyze the complexities of cancel culture. What are its potential benefits and drawbacks?
• As AI continues to evolve, what would it mean for it to achieve sentience?
• Define the metaverse and its potential impact on society.
• Algorithmic Bias: How can we make sure computers don't treat people differently because of mistakes in their code?

Funny Definition Essay Topics

• Explain Procrastination: Why do we wait until the last minute to do things, even with snacks involved?
• Being a Grown-Up: How to pay bills, do laundry, and pretend you know how to use a dishwasher.
• The "I Woke Up Like This" Look: The truth behind messy buns and "no makeup" makeup.
• Mom-isms: A Dictionary: Understanding what your mom really means when she says things like "clean your room" or "we need to talk."
• The 5-Second Rule: Why dropped food is totally okay to eat if you grab it fast enough.
• Explanation behind the Resting Grumpy Face phenomenon.
• Define the awkward phase of the Friend Zone with tips for maybe getting out or staying happy where you are.
• The Quiet Game: Explain how to be okay with those uncomfortable silences in conversation.
• Mansplaining: A funny look at explaining things to someone who already knows.
• Define social media with hilarious ups and downs of trying to show a perfect online life, even when things are messy behind the scenes.
• Netflix Binge Olympics: Training tips and snack strategies for the intense world of competitive binge-watching.
• The Bermuda Triangle of Laundry: Where mismatched socks and single earrings go to vanish forever.
• Why are afternoon naps awesome, even if you wake up with sleep marks?
• How buying things (even when you don't need them) can make you feel happy.
• Why talking to yourself isn't crazy; it's just a way to solve problems.

Society Definition Essay Topics

• Teamplayers vs. Lone Wolves: How do people work together in a group versus doing things on their own?
• Following the Rules (or Not): What are rules in society for, and why do people sometimes break them?
• From Strangers to Friends: How do people become friends and build communities?
• Sharing is Caring (Usually): Why do we share things with others, and what happens when we don't?
• Fashion Follies: How do trends in clothing and style reflect society as a whole?
• Fads vs. Traditions: What's the difference between something everyone does for a short time and something people do for generations?
• Helping Hands: Why do people volunteer and help others in need?
• Celebrating Differences: How can people from different backgrounds come together and learn from each other?
• The Power of Words: How can what we say affect others and society as a whole?
• Social Media Circles: How do online platforms connect people and shape how we see the world?
• City Life vs. Country Living: What are the pros and cons of living in a crowded city versus a quiet rural area?
• The News Feed: How do news and information travel through society, and how does it affect us?
• From Small Towns to Global Stage: How are local communities connected to the wider world?
• Changing with the Times: How do societies adapt and change over time?
• The Future We Build: How can we work together to create a better society for everyone?

Creative Definition Essay Topics

• Community: A group of people living in the same area who share things and help each other.
• Culture: The beliefs, customs, and arts of a particular group of people.
• Social Class: A group of people with similar wealth, income, and education.
• Family: A group of people related to each other, like parents and children.
• Social Mobility: The ability to move up or down in social class.
• Diversity: Having many different types of people, ideas, and cultures.
• Social Media: Websites and apps used to connect with people and share information.
• Technology: The tools and machines that people use to make life easier.
• Education: The process of learning knowledge and skills.
• Law: The rules that a society creates to keep order.
• Social Norms: The unwritten rules about how people behave in a society.
• Government: The group of people who make and enforce laws.
• Socialization: The process of learning the ways of a society.
• Tradition: The customs and beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation.
• Social Change: The way that a society changes over time.

Common Definition Essay Topics

• What are the different forms of love, and how do they shape our lives?
• How do we build trust in relationships, and why is it so important?
• What defines a true friend, and how do friendships impact us?
• Why is honesty essential in all aspects of life?
• How does respect foster positive connections with others?
• What does happiness mean to you? How can we achieve a sense of fulfillment?
• What are the different types of fear, and how can we overcome them?
• What is kindness, and how does it make the world a better place?
• How does loyalty strengthen bonds in our relationships?
• What is gratitude, and how can we cultivate it in our daily lives?
• How does patience help us navigate challenges in life?
• What does hard work mean, and how does dedication lead to success?
• Why is perseverance important for overcoming obstacles?
• How does life experience shape wisdom? What does it mean to be wise?
• What is peace, and how can we find calmness in our everyday lives?

History Definition Essay Topics

• What is the Renaissance, and Why is it Important?
• Describe the Industrial Revolution and its impact on society.
• Who Were the Ancient Egyptians?
• What is Feudalism?
• Discuss the importance of the Silk Road in connecting different cultures.
• What Led to the Fall of the Roman Empire?
• Explain how democracy began in ancient Greece and its evolution.
• Define colonialism and discuss its effects on colonized countries.
• Narrate the main causes of World War I and its consequences.
• What Was the American Civil Rights Movement?
• The Meaning of the Cold War
• Define imperialism and provide examples of its practice in history.
• Discuss how Enlightenment ideas have shaped contemporary society.
• What Triggered the French Revolution?
• The Significance of the Magna Carta

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

• Do we have free will, or are we just along for the ride? 
• Is there more than meets the eye? Discuss the different ideas about reality.
• If there's a good God, why do bad things happen? Tackle the problem of reconciling suffering with a benevolent higher power.
• Can we ever be absolutely sure about anything? 
• What is consciousness, and how does the mind relate to the brain?
• Is there a point to life? What makes our existence meaningful?
• Ethics: What makes something right or wrong? 
• What is Existentialism, and how do we create meaning in a world without inherent purpose?
• What does it mean to be fair?
• Who are we, really? The Mystery of the Self. 
• Is there more to the universe than we can see? Discuss metaphysics.
• The Quest for Knowledge: How do we acquire knowledge, and what constitutes justified belief?
• What is Logic? Introduces the principles of reasoned argument and their importance in sound decision-making.
• Aesthetics: Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Or is it universal?
• How do we become good people? Virtue Ethics Explained.

More Interesting Definition Essay Topics

• Explain what freedom means in different contexts, such as political, personal, and economic.
• What is Sustainable Development?
• Describe different perspectives on what happiness means and how it can be achieved.
• Provide a simplified explanation of quantum physics and its fundamental principles.
• Define justice and discuss various theories and interpretations of it.
• Explain what cybersecurity involves and why it is crucial in today's digital world.
• What is the meaning of identity, and how is it formed and influenced by various factors?
• Define climate change and discuss its causes and effects on the planet.
• What is Virtual Reality?
• Define democracy and examine its various forms and functions in society.
• Describe mindfulness and its benefits for mental health and well-being.
• What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
• Explain cultural appropriation and explore its implications and controversies.
• Define blockchain technology and discuss its uses beyond cryptocurrency.
• What is emotional intelligence, and how does it influence personal and professional relationships?

How To Choose Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the perfect words for your paper can be a formidable task. Here's a guide to help you navigate this linguistic maze:

• Embrace Complexity : Don't settle for words with a single, straightforward meaning. Opt for terms that invite you to flex your writing muscles and showcase your subject expertise.
• Stir Debate : Seek words that thrive on controversy within varying contexts. A great definition essay thrives on the debates surrounding the term, so choose words that spark discussions.
• Build Your Lexicon : Create a repository of potential definition essay topic ideas, especially when your instructor leaves the choice up to you. Having a list ready ensures you're never short of intriguing subjects.
• Multiple Meanings : Delve into the richness of language by exploring words with multiple meanings. They offer a canvas for you to paint multifaceted portraits of ideas, pushing your writing to new heights.

Definition Essay Example

Here, we've prepared some compelling definition essay examples that illuminate the richness of language and thought, providing clarity on topics both familiar and intriguing. These definition essay topics invite you to embark on a journey of understanding, where your own words and concepts reveal their hidden depths and discover more about the human experience.

Final Words

In the realm of definition essays, the power of words to shape our understanding of the world becomes evident. Through this diverse array of topics, we've unlocked the doors to deeper comprehension and insight. So, choose your definition essay topic wisely, apply your unique perspective, and let the fascinating world of definitions broaden your horizons, one word at a time. And if you ever need a simple yet helpful guide to how to write a conclusion for an essay , we've got you covered on that too!

Unlock the Lexicon of Brilliance!

Choose your best definition essay topics today and let our word wizards conjure intellectual magic!

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Definition Essay

Definition Essay - Writing Guide, Examples and Tips

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Published on: Oct 9, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Definition Essay Outline - Format & Guide

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Many students struggle with writing definition essays due to a lack of clarity and precision in their explanations.

This obstructs them from effectively conveying the essence of the terms or concepts they are tasked with defining. Consequently, the essays may lack coherence, leaving readers confused and preventing them from grasping the intended meaning.

But don’t worry!

In this guide, we will delve into effective techniques and step-by-step approaches to help students craft an engaging definition essay.

Continue reading to learn the correct formation of a definition essay. 

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What is a Definition Essay?

Just as the name suggests, a definition essay defines and explains a term or a concept. Unlike a narrative essay, the purpose of writing this essay is only to inform the readers.

Writing this essay type can be deceivingly tricky. Some terms, concepts, and objects have concrete definitions when explained. In contrast others are solely based on the writer’s understanding and point of view.

A definition essay requires a writer to use different approaches when discussing a term. These approaches are the following:

• Denotation - It is when you provide a literal or academic definition of the term.
• Connotation - It is when the writer provides an implied meaning or definition of the term.
• Enumeration - For this approach, a list is employed to define a term or a concept.
• Analogy - It is a technique in which something is defined by implementing a comparison.
• Negation - It is when you define a term by stating what it is not.

A single or combination of approaches can be used in the essay. 

Definition Essay Types

There are several types of definition essays that you may be asked to write, depending on the purpose and scope of the assignment. 

In this section, we will discuss some of the most common types of definition essays.

Descriptive Definition Essay 

This type of essay provides a detailed description of a term or concept, emphasizing its key features and characteristics. 

The goal of a descriptive definition essay is to help readers understand the term or concept in a more profound way.

Stipulative Definition Essay 

In a stipulative definition essay, the writer provides a unique definition of a term or concept. This type of essay is often used in academic settings to define a term in a particular field of study. 

The goal of a stipulative definition essay is to provide a precise and clear definition that is specific to the context of the essay.

Analytical Definition Essay 

This compare and contrast essay type involves analyzing a term or concept in-depth. Breaking it down into its component parts, and examining how they relate to each other. 

The goal of an analytical definition essay is to provide a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the term or concept being discussed.

Persuasive Definition Essay 

A persuasive definition essay is an argumentative essay that aims to persuade readers to accept a particular definition of a term or concept.

The writer presents their argument for the definition and uses evidence and examples to support their position.

Explanatory Definition Essay 

An explanatory definition essay is a type of expository essay . It aims to explain a complex term or concept in a way that is easy to understand for the reader. 

The writer breaks down the term or concept into simpler parts and provides examples and analogies to help readers understand it better.

Extended Definition Essay 

An extended definition essay goes beyond the definition of a word or concept and provides a more in-depth analysis and explanation. 

The goal of an extended definition essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a term, concept, or idea. This includes its history, origins, and cultural significance. 

How to Write a Definition Essay?

Writing a definition essay is simple if you know the correct procedure. This essay, like all the other formal pieces of documents, requires substantial planning and effective execution.

The following are the steps involved in writing a definition essay effectively:

Instead of choosing a term that has a concrete definition available, choose a word that is complicated . Complex expressions have abstract concepts that require a writer to explore deeper. Moreover, make sure that different people perceive the term selected differently. 

Once you have a word to draft your definition essay for, read the dictionary. These academic definitions are important as you can use them to compare your understanding with the official concept.

Drafting a definition essay is about stating the dictionary meaning and your explanation of the concept. So the writer needs to have some information about the term.

In addition to this, when exploring the term, make sure to check the term’s origin. The history of the word can make you discuss it in a better way.

Coming up with an exciting title for your essay is important. The essay topic will be the first thing that your readers will witness, so it should be catchy.

Creatively draft an essay topic that reflects meaning. In addition to this, the usage of the term in the title should be correctly done. The readers should get an idea of what the essay is about and what to expect from the document.

Now that you have a topic in hand, it is time to gather some relevant information. A definition essay is more than a mere explanation of the term. It represents the writer’s perception of the chosen term and the topic.

So having only personal opinions will not be enough to defend your point. Deeply research and gather information by consulting credible sources.

The gathered information needs to be organized to be understandable. The raw data needs to be arranged to give a structure to the content.

Here's a generic outline for a definition essay:

Are you searching for an in-depth guide on crafting a well-structured definition essay?Check out this definition essay outline blog!

6. Write the First Draft

Drafting each section correctly is a daunting task. Understanding what or what not to include in these sections requires a writer to choose wisely.

The start of your essay matters a lot. If it is on point and attractive, the readers will want to read the text. As the first part of the essay is the introduction , it is considered the first impression of your essay.

To write your definition essay introduction effectively, include the following information:

• Start your essay with a catchy hook statement that is related to the topic and the term chosen.
• State the generally known definition of the term. If the word chosen has multiple interpretations, select the most common one.
• Provide background information precisely. Determine the origin of the term and other relevant information.
• Shed light on the other unconventional concepts and definitions related to the term.
• Decide on the side or stance you want to pick in your essay and develop a thesis statement .

After briefly introducing the topic, fully explain the concept in the body section . Provide all the details and evidence that will support the thesis statement. To draft this section professionally, add the following information:

• A detailed explanation of the history of the term.
• Analysis of the dictionary meaning and usage of the term.
• A comparison and reflection of personal understanding and the researched data on the concept.

Once all the details are shared, give closure to your discussion. The last paragraph of the definition essay is the conclusion . The writer provides insight into the topic as a conclusion.

The concluding paragraphs include the following material:

• Summary of the important points.
• Restated thesis statement.
• A final verdict on the topic.

7. Proofread and Edit

Although the writing process ends with the concluding paragraph, there is an additional step. It is important to proofread the essay once you are done writing. Proofread and revise your document a couple of times to make sure everything is perfect.

Before submitting your assignment, make edits, and fix all mistakes and errors.

If you want to learn more about how to write a definition essay, here is a video guide for you!

Definition Essay Structure 

The structure of a definition essay is similar to that of any other academic essay. It should consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

However, the focus of a definition essay is on defining and explaining a particular term or concept. 

In this section, we will discuss the structure of a definition essay in detail.

Introduction 

Get the idea of writing an introduction for a definition essay with this example:

Body Paragraphs

Here is an example of how to craft your definition essay body paragraph:

Types of the Term/Concept 

If applicable, the writer may want to include a section that discusses the different types or categories of the term or concept being defined. 

This section should explain the similarities and differences between the types, using examples and anecdotes to illustrate the points.

Examples of the Term/Concept in Action 

The writer should also include real-life examples of the term or concept being defined in action. 

This will help the reader better understand the term or concept in context and how it is used in everyday life.

Conclusion 

This example will help you writing a conclusion fo you essay:

Definition Essay Examples

It is important to go through some examples and samples before writing an essay. This is to understand the writing process and structure of the assigned task well.

Following are some examples of definition essays to give our students a better idea of the concept. 

Understanding the Definition Essay

Definition Essay Example

Definition Essay About Friendship

Definition Essay About Love

Family Definition Essay

Success Definition Essay

Beauty Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the right topic is challenging for other essay types. However, picking a suitable theme for a definition essay is equally tricky yet important. Pick an interesting subject to ensure maximum readership.

If you are facing writer’s block, here is a list of some great definition essay topics for your help. Choose from the list below and draft a compelling essay.

• Authenticity
• Sustainability
• Mindfulness

Here are some more extended definition essay topics:

• Social media addiction
• Ethical implications of gene editing
• Personalized learning in the digital age
• Ecosystem services
• Cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation
• Sustainable fashion
• Gender equality in the workplace
• Financial literacy and its impact on personal finance
• Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence
• Welfare state and social safety nets

Need more topics? Check out this definition essay topics blog!

Definition Essay Writing Tips

Knowing the correct writing procedure is not enough if you are not aware of the essay’s small technicalities. To help students write a definition essay effortlessly, expert writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some simple tips.

These easy tips will make your assignment writing phase easy.

• Choose an exciting yet informative topic for your essay.
• When selecting the word, concept, or term for your essay, make sure you have the knowledge.
• When consulting a dictionary for the definition, provide proper referencing as there are many choices available.
• To make the essay informative and credible, always provide the origin and history of the term.
• Highlight different meanings and interpretations of the term.
• Discuss the transitions and evolution in the meaning of the term in any.
• Provide your perspective and point of view on the chosen term.

Following these tips will guarantee you better grades in your academics.

By following the step-by-step approach explained in this guide, you will acquire the skills to craft an outstanding essay. 

Struggling with the thought, " write my college essay for m e"? Look no further.

Our dedicated definition essay writing service is here to craft the perfect essay that meets your academic needs.

For an extra edge, explore our AI essay writer , a tool designed to refine your essays to perfection. 

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Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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Best Definition Essay Topics Guide for an A+ Grade

Updated 19 Jun 2024

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.

Need more writing assistance?

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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.

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Writing an essay requires choosing a well-constructed topic. But it becomes easier to handle with good information and the right guide. At  essay writing service EduBirdie comes a lot of work and time, as well as, one of our main objectives is to guide students with their academic tasks that appear to be complex, like one we discussed in this article.

If you still have difficulties writing a definition essay, our writers are ready to help you with the ideas for a topic, outline or thesis writing help. We are available 24/7 and gladly offer you a helping hand. Still, not sure if you need it? Message us to learn more about what writers can do!

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Definition Essay Writing

Definition Essay Topics

150 Best Definition Essay Topics For Students

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Definition Essay Writing: Format, Tips, and Examples

Definition Essay Outline - Writing Guide With Examples

Ever struggled to pick a good topic for your definition essay? You're not alone; it can be a real challenge.

Choosing the right topic isn't just about finding something random. It's about picking one that gets you excited and grabs your reader's attention.

But don't worry! We have got you covered. 

In this blog, you’ll get some great definition essay topics and useful tips on how to choose a definition essay topic. All you have to do is give this article a good read and pick an amazing topic of your interest.

• 1. A Closer Look at Definition Essay
• 2. Definition Essay Topics Ideas
• 3. Funny Definition Essay Topics
• 4. Creative Definition Essay Topics 
• 5. Easy Definition Essay Topics 
• 6. Good Definition Essay Topics
• 7. Extended Definition Essay Topics
• 8. Random Definition Essay Topics
• 9. Definition Argumentative Essay Topics
• 10. Controversial Definition Essay Topics
• 11. How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?
• 12. Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay

A Closer Look at Definition Essay

A definition essay is a type of academic writing that defines or explains a word, term, concept, or idea. There are some words that have literal meanings and they are very easy to explain i.e. pencil, table, chair, etc. 

There are some terms that have abstract meanings and are difficult to explain i.e. love, care, emotion, and feelings.

This type of essay includes both the official meanings of the word and the writer's interpretation. This interpretation is supported by examples.

A good definition essay will not exceed one page in length, and it should include 250-500 words. The goal is for the student to expand on a word’s usage. This can be done by explaining other possible concepts of what they are analyzing - this makes them more interesting!

Definition Essay Topics Ideas

When you search over the internet you’ll get plenty of definition essay topics. Having a lot of ideas in hand can make the topic selection process difficult. That is why we have compiled a list of some effective and interesting definition essay topics. 

Check out these creative definition essay topics lists below and choose the best one for your essay.

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Definition Essay Topics for High School Students

• Identity in the Digital Age
• Empathy in a Diverse World
• Global Citizenship
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Civic Engagement
• Environmental Stewardship
• Ethical Leadership
• Cultural Fluency
• Mindfulness in Education
• Critical Thinking

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

• What is the meaning of optimism?
• What does sincerity mean?
• Love at first sight
• The true meaning of respect
• The actual definition of family
• Define Buddhism
• Who is a strong leader?
• What is the actual meaning of ambitions?
• Define racism in your own words
• How will you define success?

Definition Essay Topic on Mass Media

• The evolution of 'news' in the digital age: redefining journalism.
• The true meaning of 'media bias': navigating perspectives.
• The influence of 'social media': defining modern connectivity.
• The power of 'advertising': shaping perceptions and desires.
• Reality TV: a new definition of 'entertainment'?
• The impact of 'fake news': deconstructing information manipulation.
• The definition of 'clickbait': balancing engagement and misleading content.
• Streaming services: redefining 'television' in the 21st century.
• The role of 'podcasts' in modern communication: beyond radio.
• Citizen journalism: broadening the scope of 'media.

Funny Definition Essay Topics

• Awkward Dancing
• Chaos Theory
• Social Media Stalking
• Mismatched Socks
• Infinite Scroll
• Bad Hair Days
• Pajama Fashion
• Fast Food Gourmet
• Napping Olympics
• Pencil Tossing

Creative Definition Essay Topics 

• The Essence of Wanderlust: Defining the Spirit of Adventure
• Epic Fails: The Art and Science of Learning from Mistakes
• Digital Detox: Navigating Life in the Age of Screens
• Ambition Redefined: Pursuing Dreams in the Real World
• Friendship in the Digital Age: The Modern Definition of 'BFF'
• Mindfulness Unveiled: Embracing the Present Moment
• Nostalgia: Journeying into the Past Through Rose-Tinted Glasses
• Resilience: Bouncing Back from Life's Unexpected Twists
• The Art of Simplicity: Finding Beauty in the Basics
• Silence Speaks: Exploring the Power of Quiet Moments

Easy Definition Essay Topics 

• Privacy 
• Humanity 

Good Definition Essay Topics

• Describe laziness
• Define attitude
• What is magnetism?
• How do you define attraction?
• Define human rights
• What is the meaning of responsibilities?
• Time management
• Define health
• Define class
• What is the meaning of wealth

Unique Definition Essay Topics

• The quirkiness of 'fam': exploring unconventional family structures.
• The essence of 'chill': beyond a relaxing vibe.
• Defining 'awkward': navigating social discomfort.
• The true meaning of 'indie': beyond music and film.
• The 'vibe' culture: capturing the unspoken atmosphere.
• Decoding 'meme culture': more than just humor.
• The complexity of 'cool': an ever-changing definition.
• The 'hacktivist' movement: merging hacking and activism.
• Retro: nostalgia or a timeless definition?
• The art of 'hygge': coziness in a single word.

One Word Definition Essay Topics:

• Sustainability

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Classification and Definition Essay Topics

• Types of friendship: defining bonds beyond acquaintanceship.
• Genres of literature: from mystery to science fiction.
• Learning styles: understanding varied approaches to education.
• Personality types: navigating the landscape of traits.
• Cuisine categories: exploring the world through food.
• Forms of government: beyond democracy and authoritarianism.
• Music genres: from classical to experimental.
• Social media users: the diverse landscape of online presence.
• Educational philosophies: from Montessori to Waldorf.
• The world of gaming: classifying video game genres.

Simple Definition Essay Topics:

• Friendship: what does it truly mean to be a friend?
• Happiness: beyond smiles and laughter.
• Home: defining the heart of comfort.
• Success: navigating achievements and fulfillment.
• Courage: facing fear with grace.
• Kindness: the power of small acts.
• Respect: cultivating dignity in interactions.
• Family: beyond blood ties.
• Trust: the foundation of genuine connections.
• Wisdom: gained through experience and reflection.

Extended Definition Essay Topics

• What does the term freedom mean?
• Define ownership in your own words
• What is the meaning of the term character?
• The current American dream
• The evolution of the definitions
• Define experience in your own words
• What is common sense?
• Explore the term science
• What role does a degree play in a student’s life?
• Time: The Elusive Concept That Shapes Our Lives

Random Definition Essay Topics

• Small business
• Masculinity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Individuality

Definition Argumentative Essay Topics

• Democracy vs. Dictatorship
• Meaning of two sides of a coin
• Classical music vs. Pop music
• Friendship vs. Love
• The Fluid Concept of 'Justice'
• Equality vs. Equity
• The Definition of 'Art'
• Security in the 21st Century
• Defining 'Fake News' in a Post-Truth Society
• The Definition of 'Heroism'

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

• Defining Patriotism: Where Loyalty Ends and Extremism Begins.
• Freedom of Speech: Navigating the Thin Line Between Expression and Harm.
• The Slippery Slope of Political Correctness: Balancing Respect and Censorship.
• The Fluid Boundaries of 'Cultural Appropriation' in Art and Fashion.
• Gender Identity: Beyond Binary – The Controversy of Pronouns.
• The Definition of 'Addiction': Disease or Personal Responsibility?
• Euthanasia: Dignity in Death or Slippery Moral Slope?
• The Controversy of 'Trigger Warnings': Protecting or Censoring?
• Defining 'Fake News' in a Post-Truth Era: Information or Manipulation?
• The Line Between 'National Security' and Invasion of Privacy.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

The success of your essay majorly depends on the topic. A good topic is a key element in writing a good essay. So when you choose a topic for your essay, keep the following things in mind.

• Choose a topic that has a broad meaning rather than a literal meaning.
• Make sure you understand the topic completely.
• Make sure that the subject should be interesting for you.
• The topic should be interesting for the reader as well.
• Choose a word, idea or term that is fresh for the audience.
• Avoid picking any common topic that the reader is already familiar with.
• Choose an idea that connects with your target audience.

Choosing a controversial topic is quite easier than choosing a common definition essay topic. As you have a few options to choose from and a little space to write about it. But if you keep the instructions given above in mind, you can easily choose an amazing topic for your essay.

Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay

Here are some tips that you should learn before writing your essay. These steps will help you structure your essay in a proper format.

• Pick an interesting and unique paper topic.
• Research the topic thoroughly and collect detailed information about it.
• Create a definition essay outline , it will help you follow the essay pattern. Without an outline, it is really difficult to craft a good essay according to the format.
• Tell the exact meaning of your subject in the introduction part. Present the thesis statement that provides a detailed meaning of the essay topic. Your introduction should be able to grab the reader’s attention and make them read the complete essay.
• In the body paragraphs, provide evidence that supports your personal and dictionary definitions. Elaborate on the topic with the help of your personal experience examples.
• In the conclusion section, just sum up all the explanations and descriptions. This is akin to closing remarks, so do not provide a fresh idea over here. Provide your close remarks and finish the essay.
• After writing the essay, spare some time for the proofreading and editing process. Check your essay for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Remove all the errors from the essay to make it flawless.

Definition Essay Structure

Your final definition paper may have a structure similar to this:

• A copy-pasted or paraphrased definition from the dictionary.
• Writer’s personal understanding and interpretation of the word. 
• An example of the usage of the word in a real context. 
• Supporting evidence justifying the writer’s interpretation of the word.
• Conclusion summarizing each point briefly. 

In conclusion, our exploration into the world of definition essays has been a journey of discovery. We've dived into the meanings of words, navigated through controversies, and embraced creativity. Words are more than just letters; they have the power to shape thoughts and connect us in unique ways.

This essay writing guide will help you a lot in writing your essay. Make sure you follow the procedure so that you don’t make any mistakes.

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Well, fret no more, we have got your back!

Hire a professional definition essay writer from MyPerfectWords.com . We are a professional writing service that provides high-quality academic papers and essays at reasonable prices.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Keep reading

Definition Essay: The Complete Guide with Essay Topics and Examples

Writing essays is an integral part of your school and college life, and you can do nothing about it. You may address a custom paper writing service and get help from professionals in writing. The other way is to try it yourself. You’ll want to make the process of writing as simple as possible. You might think that growing into a better writer is something impossible: You either have your natural writing talent or are just unable to write well, and there’s no other way. But it’s not that definitive. Writing is like cooking. Nobody expects you to bake a perfect cake if you do not know the recipe and have no previous practice. It’s a skill you have to develop, just like writing. In this post, we will learn how to write a good definition essay and make it as easy as it can be.

What is a Definition Essay?

A definition essay is a special type of essays where you have to put a definition in an essay for a chosen word. The definition must be well researched and supported by evidence. This might also be an explanation of what a certain term means. Some terms have literal, definite meanings, like table, pencil, or chair. Some of them are abstract, like love, success, and truth, and their meaning depends on a person’s point of view.

You can write a Definition Essay for a class or just try writing it to improve your English skills, turning it into a kind of a language challenge.

How to Start a Definition Essay

Before you write a definition essay, you should arrange your work and plan your reasoning. First, make a clear picture in your head of what you are going to write about. This is a crucial part of writing which can actually take more time than the creation of the text itself.

There are some ways to ensure a better understanding of what you can include in your text. For those who love the information to be presented vividly, graphical means are perfect. The writer can arrange the concepts they may want to insert in a mindmap, diagram, tree, or whatsoever.

You can visually represent the idea, the argumentation, and the outcomes of your exploration. Besides, you may also picture here the workflow of the essay. If you have a notion of what to write and how to do it, you are halfway to getting a powerful definition essay as a result.

In addition to developing the conception, figure out what else you need. Prepare the dictionaries to check the formal meaning of your term. Printed dictionaries may not be easily available. In case they are not, make a list of online resources with the links. The dictionaries, whether printed or online, may be explanatory, etymological, or demonstrate word usage and compatibility. Even if you don’t use this information directly, it may suggest you some interesting ideas and associations.

Think of the people whose advice or opinion may be valuable for your essay. You will ask them how they understand the term you’re writing about. So try to plan an interview with people of different positions, ages, and world-view. Their interpretation might become a real punchline for your article. Generally, the more diverse the information you collect, the more capacious your text.

How to write a Definition Essay? Step by Step Guide

Pick a Word

Choosing a concept or idea is the main point in writing a definition essay. Choose a word that describes the concept or idea, for example, “Love”, “Hero”, “Truth”, “Hate”, etc. Make sure you completely understand the term you choose. Check with a dictionary, but do not copy the definition from it. Explain the term under discussion in your own words. If your concepts are fairly vague, you can seek out your own definition based on experience and then find sources to support your definitions.

Stay Away From Specific Things and Objects

Try not to choose such objects as “pillow”, “shelf”, or “cup” because it can make the writing even harder. Professional writers know this hint, as it’s just impossible to extend a definition and write a lot about specific objects. Besides, your essay will seem superficial and not shrewd enough.

Choose a Word That You Know

Pick a word that you are familiar with and picture it to yourself on a basic level. This way, it will be much easier to write. For instance, you can choose the word “honor” because you know what that means, you have something to say about it, you know how it feels, and you can apply it to your life.

Try to Pick a Word That Has More Than One Meaning

It would be better if you chose a word that has several meanings, especially if this word would mean different things to different people. In this case, you will have more to write about. You’ll be able to include your personal understanding as well as interpretations of other people. For instance, you can pick the word “love” since you know that there are a lot of different meanings to this word, and each person understands and experiences it in their own unique way.

Find the Word In the Dictionary

Every word has its formal meaning, which you can find in the dictionary. Get to know it. Take a closer look at the structure of the definition.

Study the Origin of the Word

Research the word in encyclopedias, find out where it came from, and study any theories and ideas about this word. Also, if you pick a word from the law field, for example, examine this word in law encyclopedias.

You can find a lot of information about words nowadays, all you need is an Internet connection. There are many resources where professional writers write essays for money . Such websites contain a lot of scholarly or academic works, blog posts, essays, and articles. They can also include a definition of your term. Moreover, there are many videos made by smart people who have already deeply researched many words and are now sharing their knowledge.

Ask Your Friends and Family About the Word

It is important to get your own perspective on the word. For that, you can talk to your friends and family and ask them something like “what this word means to you”, “what it is you first think about when you hear this word,” or “what you feel when you hear this word” and so on. Record all the answers and then use them as your sources.

Come up With Your Own Definition

Write down your definition of the word using the data from your research and experiences. For better clarification, you may want to use visuals. Explore the resources that can help with powerpoint presentation or stock up with relevant pictures that illustrate your concept.

Definition Essay Outline

The essay outline should briefly summarize the content of your essay. Definition essay structure organizes the text in an easy-to-understand and coherent manner. Writing a short draft is very effective, and some teachers even require students to submit drafts to make sure that they have written the essay themselves. Definition essay outline usually consists of a traditional intro, body paragraphs, and conclusion format. Here is a basic sample of how to do this:

Introduction

In the introduction, you demonstrate to your readers what this paper is going to be about. In the definition essay, the main goal of the introduction is to provide your readers with two definitions – “standard” one and thesis one. The standard definition is the one you find in a dictionary. The thesis definition is a bit different from the dictionary one, so it is important to give your readers a starting point in regards to the term in order to make everything clear.

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement in the definition essay is a combination of what this term actually means and your personal understanding. Do not write too much in this section, though. Save some info for the body paragraphs. Also, do not use phrases like “is where” and “is when” when describing the word. In general, try to stay away from passive phrases involving the word “is”.

Body Paragraphs

This is the largest part of your essay. Here you have to define the core parts of the term and put them into organized sections. Use the data from your research, such as the history of the word and its variations, and break it down into parts.

Traditionally, in the concluding section you have to sum up the main points of your reasoning but in different words. The ending of an academic definition essay should be interesting and deep. Show how this term impacts your life and finish by giving your reader a sense of purpose.

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Definition Essay Format

Formatting is often crucial for a successful text. If you’re not sure how to arrange it, it’s always a good idea to check tips on how to format an essay properly on special platforms with expert information.

• Attention-catcher
• Briefly tell about the term you are going to talk about
• Thesis statement

Body paragraphs

• Body Paragraph 1: History and Origin of the Word.
• Body Paragraph 2: Complete dictionary explanation and use of the Word.
• Body Paragraph 3: Personal definition created from your experience.
• Restate the thesis statement in different words
• Summarize the main key pieces of evidence
• Final closing sentence

Words to Use for a Definition Essay

When creating a definition essay, you should follow the general rules of writing an expository essay. The basic pieces like the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion are always the same across all essay types. The special pieces include key components which are peculiar to the definition essay. These are, for example, words that are most often used or are recommended in a definition essay.

Some good words for a definition essay comprise the following words and phrases:

• What … means
• Connotation
• Extended definition

These are the examples of words you will hardly avoid when preparing a definition essay. They are most often integral to the topic, but this does not mean you should use them all. You can, of course, arrange sentences and your ideas differently and with other means. The words above and the concepts they denote are core for definition essays. Moreover, when people search for a term definition, they may try to look for a relevant essay by the keywords. So these words may help them find your essay by these keywords and phrases. They are desired but not obligatory.

A really outstanding text should contain the right language also in other parts. The further words and phrases may be helpful and make your text sound academic:

“in other words”, “to put it another way”, “moreover”, “likewise”, “what’s more”, “as well as”, “not to mention”, “on the other hand”, “however”, “by contrast”, “in view of”, “nevertheless”, “to give an illustration”, “notably”, “above all”, “in conclusion”.

Definition Essay Topics

Good definition essay topics.

• What is Love?
• What is Wisdom?
• Define What Makes a “Good” Friend?
• Define Success
• Define “Beauty”
• Talk about Solitude
• What Smart Means to You?
• What does it mean to be a Good Person?
• What makes a Good Leadership?
• What Makes a Great Friend?
• What Scholar Means to You?
• What is Loneliness?

Definition Essay Examples

Sometimes people just cannot start writing their essay without looking at a complete example of somebody else, seeing the structure and how it is written. Yes, sometimes students need some extra inspiration to start their own work and that is fine. Thankfully, nowadays you can easily find many sample papers, moreover, here is one for you right now. Edusson is Ready to Help with Your Assignment Submit your requirements

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Definition Essay Guide

Definition Essay Topics

Last updated on: Dec 28, 2022

Interesting Definition Essay Topics for Academic Essay

By: Leanne R.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: May 4, 2021

Your definition essay does not have to be boring. Though it should present the actual definition of the chosen subject, you can also present some interesting information about the topic. There is no restriction that you should only discuss the dictionary definition of the topic. You need to collect sufficient information from credible sources to make your essay informative and interesting.

However, to write a definition essay, you need to first come up with a good topic. A good definition essay specifically defines an idea, word, term, or concept. It defines the paper topic in a way that becomes easily understandable for the reader. It can be written for both types of words that have concrete or abstract meanings.

Here we have presented a list of interesting topics to help you get started with your definition essay. Check out the list given below and choose the best topic for your essay.

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Good Definition Essay Topics for Students

You might be wondering which are good definition essay topics that you can use for writing your essay. Stop stressing out and have a look at the list given below. We have compiled a list of some amazing definition essay topics for all academic-level students.

• Universal definition of love
• Importance of self-respect
• Capitalism vs. communism
• Sense of humor
• What is kindness?
• How do you define nobility?
• What is the meaning of confidence?
• How do you define the term freedom?
• Define creative writing
• Define optimism

Easy Definition Essay Topics for College Student

• Define charisma
• The versatile feeling of love
• Define democracy
• What is the dictionary definition of maths?
• Define psychology
• What is a political party?
• Define feminism
• What is the meaning of a successful career for you?
• What is the meaning of independence to you?
• Define terrorism in your own words

Definition Essay Topics for High School

• Define Pythagoras theorem
• What is millennial?
• Define sportsmanship
• Define chemistry
• Define industrial revolution
• How do you define a hero?
• What is physical fitness?
• Define multiculturalism
• Define laziness
• Define physics

Interesting Definition Essay Topics

Choosing an interesting topic for your essay is the first step towards writing a successful essay. Once you have an interesting topic in hand, you can easily write a perfect and flawless essay quickly. Here is a list of interesting definition essay topics we have compiled for you.

• What is classical music?
• Devotion to pets
• Heterogeneous vs. homogeneous
• Define romance in your own words
• Define a correlation between passion and love
• What does being a good person mean?
• How is artificial intelligence benefitting our lives?
• Pros and cons of smartphones?
• Describe globalization
• Define culture diversity

Definition Argumentative Essay Topics

• Who is better, a team player or an individual player?
• Define mental health
• Pros and cons of using the internet in school and college
• What is the meaning of “two sides of a picture.”
• What kind of influence do drugs have on children’s brains?
• Definition essay on Love vs. hate
• Define the term “white privilege.”
• Define the clause “beauty with brains.”
• Define death penalty
• What is happiness?

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

• Define the concept of race as a social construct.
• How do you define democracy?
• The non-importance of money
• Unrealistic expectations
• What are the main causes of global warming?
• What is the purpose of cloning?
• The consequences of insane love
• How did famous people succeed?
• Define racial segregation
• What is cheating, and how does it impact a relationship?

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Extended Definition Essay Topics

Looking for an extended definition essay topic so that you can easily write a long definition essay?

We have got your back!

Here is an amazing extended definition essay topics list for your help. Choose the one that interests you the most.

• What is climate change?
• Discuss the pastry war
• Define ambitions
• Define friendship and best friend
• Define a dog as an emotional support animal
• Define the love of parents
• Why do people become drug addicts?
• What is cybercrime, and what are its penalties?
• Significance of learning social values
• What is the meaning of a “balanced diet” and maintaining a “healthy weight.”

Creative Definition Essay Topics

• Define literary theme
• How to cope with laziness?
• Define wisdom
• Define anarchism
• What makes someone a villain?
• Rugby Vs. Football
• What makes a culture diverse?
• What was the Arab spring?
• What makes a good cover story?
• Define being free and truly happy

Funny Definition Essay Topics

• Money: a source of happiness
• How do Robots work?
• First breakup
• Interpretation of being ugly
• What are dreams?
• Define contemporary art
• Why can’t we feel the movement of the earth?
• What is fun for you?
• Define the best holiday
• Why deserts are better than fruits

Definition Exemplification Essay Topics

In an exemplification definition essay, you are supposed to explain a controversial subject by exploring different perspectives about it. You need to assess the subject thoroughly and then demonstrate it clearly to the reader. Check out the list given below and choose the best definition exemplification essay topic.

• What is a cold war?
• Define your perspective about dreaming
• Define self-development
• Define individuality
• Define social media
• Define maturity
• How does an area become polluted?
• What is “everyday life”?
• Give your perspective about rituals.
• Define secularization

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Unique definition essay topics.

• Define the concept of privileged
• Free time at work
• Why is the customer always right?
• Is courage and bravery the same?
• How is wisdom different from knowledge?
• How to win someone’s trust?
• Define honesty
• How do you define generosity?
• Can people live without the internet?
• How to take fewer photographs?

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Definition Classification Essay Topics

Definition classification essay is a type of academic writing in which the writer has to classify an object, character, or idea. Classification essays are not very popular among professors, so they might not assign you a topic. For your help, we have presented some easy definition classification essay topics here. Check out the list given below.

• Define the concept of grief
• What was the Spanish inquisition?
• What is the importance of voting?
• Love of God
• Define the term “history.”
• What is the meaning of the term “just.”
• Traits of a good person
• What is peer pressure?
• Cause and effects of inflation
• Traits of a lazy person

Definition Essay Topics With Multiple Meanings

• Natural beauty
• Independence
• Perfect couple

Definition Persuasive Essay Topics

• Define friendship in your own words
• Define bravery
• How do you define Gothic Romanticism?
• What is the concept of the perfect family?
• What does “stereotype” mean?
• Inhuman things people do
• Bad effects of inflation
• Pros and cons of e-learning
• Business Women
• Child marriage

How to Write a Good Definition Essay?

Now that you have a long list of topic ideas, you can easily choose a topic for your essay. After choosing the topic, the next step is to write the definition essay. Here are the steps that you need to follow to write a perfect definition essay.

• Thoroughly research the topic of your essay and collect credible information.
• Create an essay outline to organize the information
• Draft a strong thesis statement that clearly defines your topic
• Present the dictionary definition in the introduction paragraph
• Use the body paragraphs to explain the essay topic in detail
• Compile the details in the conclusion paragraph
• Reread and revise your essay to remove all the mistakes and errors
• Have someone proofread your essay

Follow these steps and write the perfect definition essay in no time. However, if you feel the need to get help, contact us immediately. 5StarEssays.com is a legal paper writing service that helps students with academic writing.

Our “ write my essay ” service is the perfect option for you, and you can trust us without having a doubt. We provide help with every type of academic writing, i.e., case studies, research papers, term papers, etc.

You can come to us at any time of the day because we are available round the clock. Place your order now and get a perfect definition essay tailored specifically for you according to your instructions.

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457 Definition Essay Topics and Writing Tips

A definition explains the meaning of a term or a concept. In a dictionary, you’ll find a definition in a single sentence. A definition paper, however, encompasses several paragraphs. Such an essay, amongst other things, can include personal experience and examples.

To write a successful definition paper, you need to provide a unique view of your chosen subject. In this article by Custom-Writing.org , we have compiled a list of the best definition essay ideas for high school and college students. We will also:

• explain how to choose a topic;
• give some writing tips;
• provide a definition essay sample.   
• 🔝 Top 10 Topics
• ⭐ How to Choose a Topic
• 💭 Top 7 Prompts
• 👍 70 Easy Definition Topics
• 🏫 High School Topics
• 🎓 Definition Topics for College

🧐 Definition Argument Topics

• 🤯 Controversial Definition Topics
• 🎈 Funny Definition Topics
• 📚 Other Topics
• ✅ Essay Writing Tips
• 📑 Definition Essay Example

🔍 References

🔝 top 10 definition essay topics.

• Can love be defined? 
• Is empathy a weakness? 
• Is optimism a strength? 
• How do you define success? 
• What is considered racism? 
• What does it mean to be happy? 
• What is independence for you? 
• When does one become an adult? 
• What does it take to be an ambitious person? 
• How to know if someone is a perfectionist?

⭐ Definition Essay Topics: How to Choose

When it comes to papers explaining a concept, essay topics are notoriously hard to choose. How do you find a good idea to write about? Well, here are a few steps that you might want to consider while making the decision:

• Choose a word with a complex meaning. For instance, notions such as “love” or “home” are hard to define because everyone has their own understanding of them.
• Make sure the meaning of the word is arguable. Unlike “love” and “home,” words such as “coffee” or “hose” have a precise meaning you can’t really argue about.
• Choose the word you are familiar with. You can educate yourself on the meaning of certain words before writing an essay, but it’s still different from incorporating it into your daily life.

So, let’s get started with our prompts and topics for a definition essay!

💭 Top 7 Definition Essay Prompts

Definition of love essay prompt.

Practically all people have felt love at some point in their life. However, what is love, exactly? How do you define it? Well, love is a term that encompasses various meanings and has different implications:

• You can write about different characteristics of love. For instance, it can be all-consuming and passionate or tender and gentle.
• There are various types of love, such as romantic and platonic, and you can explore them in your essay.
• You may also dive into how love shouldn’t necessarily be related to another human being. One can also love certain activities or objects. 
• Another widely discussed topic is the love language. You can write about how different people perceive and express their love.

Family Definition Essay Prompt

Family is another term that has a vast spectrum of meanings. Here are some ideas for your essay:

• Talk about the difference between an immediate and a chosen family. For instance, you may think of family while referring to your parents or siblings. For others, a family can also be a group of people who love and care for one another. It doesn’t matter if they are related by blood or not.
• You can talk about the traditional understanding of a family vs. the modern one.

Definition of a Hero Essay Prompt

People’s ideas of heroes and heroic qualities change throughout time. Consider discussing the following in your essay:

• Look into the mythological roots of a hero and how Ancient Greeks described someone with heroic traits.
• Talk about the modern understanding of a hero.
• Is having superpowers a pre-requirement to being a hero, or can anyone spiritually strong and brave be called a hero?

Racism Definition Essay Prompt

Racism is one of the most permanent issues in society. It happens when people divide themselves into exclusive, separate groups according to their race and skin color. In your paper, you may discuss:

• Talk about how the word “racism” when it comes to law and the legal system.
• You can talk about the etymology of the word racism and how it came to be.
• Discuss how racism is understood in philosophy, literature, and psychology.
• Mention the differences between the implications the term “racism” has when it comes to social life and the law.

Home Definition Essay Prompt

If you look up the word “home” in a dictionary, you’ll see definitions like “a place where a person lives” or “a place where one originally comes from.” However, each person has a different understanding of what it actually means. Here are a few things that you can discuss in your essay:

• You can write about your interpretation of the famous saying, “There’s no place like home.” 
• Talk about the differences between “home” and “house.”
• Explore how the word “home” is understood in philosophy, literature, and psychology.

Definition Essay: American Dream Prompt

American Dream is a concept that’s almost synonymous with the word America itself. This term and its meaning have been discussed since its first appearance in Epic of America in 1931. You can explore the following topics in your paper:

• Discuss how the notion of the American Dream has changed and evolved throughout time.
• Write about the concept of “4 freedoms for all” and how it has affected people’s perception of the American Dream.
• You may also want to mention globalization and how it has affected people’s interpretation of the American Dream.

Kindness Definition Essay Prompt

The concept of what it means to be kind is debated in religion, philosophy, and psychology. Writing about this topic will allow you to contemplate and look at it from different perspectives. Here are some exciting ideas to consider:

• Discuss the phenomenon of kindness and how it’s reflected in philosophy, religion, and literature.
• Talk about the concept of kindness and its origin. You can see how people’s understanding of being kind has evolved through time. 
• Interpret the phrase “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” You can discuss how this saying relates to people’s perception of kindness.
• Talk about altruism and to what extent this principle reflects the meaning people attach to the word “kindness.”  

👍 70 Best Definition Essay Topics: Easy & Exciting

• What is anarchism? 
• What does “ commitment ” mean?
• The ancient and modern concept of a healthy person.
• Why does “break a leg” mean “good luck”?
• How does the definition of mimesis change through time?
• Define postmodern theatre and its elements.
• What is the difference between Platonic and Aristotelian understandings of mimesis?
• What is euthanasia, and how is it different from assisted suicide? 
• What is industrialization, and how does it affect our society ?
• Define individualism from a psychological and sociological perspective.
• How would you define grief? 
• What is the poetry of mourning ?
• The concept of independence .
• What does it mean “to narrate” in literature ?
• Define liberalism as a political ideology. 
• How does the concept of family vary depending on the culture?
• Egoism in psychology.
• The meaning behind the phrase “ peace of mind.”
• Interpreting Marxism. 
• What is metaphysics about?
• How would you define modernism in theatre? 
• Define Nietzsche’s ideas of nihilism.
• Define the abolitionist movement in Western Europe and the Americas. 
• The origin of the word “science.”
• What is an eating disorder?
• What is Ziggurat, and how is it important to the ancient Mesopotamian culture ?
• What is anorexia? 
• The meaning of depression from a medical perspective.
• What does bulking mean in sports?
• People’s perception of sports as a hobby and as a career.
• What does it mean to “do business”?
• What is a kinetic sculpture?
• Papier-mâché and its place in sculpting.
• The concept of death and how it affects people’s perception of life .
• What is the origin and meaning of the word arena?
• Religion as a belief and an institutionalized notion. 
• Define pacifism and what it means to be a pacifist. 
• How would you define artistic works through philosophy?  
• What is cultural pluralism ?
• What does it mean to be responsible ?
• What is “common sense?” 
• Define the modern phenomenon of cyberbullying.
• Ego and egoism: how are the two connected? 
• How would you define the word “rosary”?
• Altruism and kindness: the definitions.
• People’s understanding of success in the 21st century .
• What is the Indian reservation, and what historical importance does it have?
• Trauma in psychology.
• What is the equality of rights? 
• The image of a contemporary vs. ancient hero. 
• What is democracy? 
• What is an argument in writing? 
• What does it means to lose one’s identity?
• What is the meaning of identity in the cultural context? 
• The concept of time in history. 
• The perspective on time: linear and circular.
• What does it mean to be confident ?
• People’s perception of gender and the impact it has on society. 
• Define gothic literature and talk about its key features.
• What does the word “taboo” means?  
• Define grotesque and its importance in art.
• What is maturity in psychology?
• A butterfly effect in chaos theory. 
• The meaning of ethics in philosophy .
• What does it mean to “fancy someone”?
• The understanding of science in ancient Greece and philosophy .
• People’s interpretation of art and beauty in the Middle Ages.
• What can be called poetry ?
• What does it mean to “make a long story short”?
• How people’s perception of war has been changing throughout history. 

🏫 Definition Essay Topics for High School

• What is global warming?
• How would you define progress?
• Define imperialism. 
• What is polynomial in mathematics?
• How are the ideas of imperialism reflected in Orwell’s essay Shooting an Elephant ?
• The meaning of the hippie movement in the 60s and 70s.
• How would you interpret the saying “a friend in need is a friend in deed?”
• What is the cultural meaning of the tea ceremony in Japan ?
• Define teamwork in business.
• What does it mean to be a good student?
• What is mass culture as opposed to popular culture? 
• The meaning of the phrase “ natural beauty .”
• What does it mean to be a good role model ?
• What is self-confidence ?
• Intellectual and intelligent: is there any difference? 
• What is popular culture ?
• Social media and its influence on teenagers’ communication skills .
• Define parenthood .
• What is alliteration in poetry?
• What does it mean to be a reliable person? 
• What is classical music? 
• How would you define happiness ?
• Does social media increase people’s anxiety levels?
• Why do smartphones decrease our attention span? 
• What can be considered an artwork? 
• Globalization in contemporary art .
• The meaning and the usage of the term lithography.
• Activism as an art form. 
• Explain the term decalcomania.
• What does the expression “bite the bullet” mean?
• What is biochemistry, and how is it used in nursing? 
• Astrophysics vs. astrochemistry: definition.
• What is sarcasm?
• How would you define antisemitism?
• What does it mean to have a bad sense of humor?
• What does it mean “ to oppress ?”
• Define careerism .
• What is housing segregation? 
• The concept of collectivism in communism. 
• The meaning of consumerism in the modern world.
• What does it mean to be cynical?
• Meaning of determinism in philosophy. 
• Define fascism during the Second World War.
• What are the fundamental principles of fatalism? 
• The philosophy of finalism.
• What is Hinduism?
• The critical points of liberal discourse.
• What does it mean “to exploit”?
• What can be called “ realistic “?
• What does it mean to be creative? 

Feel free to explore our list of high school essay topics for more ideas.

🎓 Definition Essay Topics for College Students

• Harlem Renaissance and Jazz Music.
• Define Jazz culture in the ’90s America.
• What is capitalism?
• The meaning of calisthenics.
• Define a nuclear family.  
• What is transcendentalism ?
• Define surrealism in painting.
• The relation between puritanism and capitalism. 
• What does it mean to have freedom of choice?
• Capitalism vs. Communism : which one is more human-oriented? 
• Does Jimi Hendrix’s performance of Star Spangled Banner in 1969 correspond with the definition of activism?
• The philosophy of absurdism in Albert Camus’s works. 
• Impressionism vs. Expressionism: meanings .
• How would you define a sense of responsibility ?
• What is an operating system (Windows, Mac, etc.) ?
• What does “a start-up” mean? 
• What is a farewell ?
• Beauty standards in the 20 th century and medieval Europe.
• Define the omniscient narrator in a novel .
• How is French materialism different from American materialism? 
• Define the 3 rd wave of feminism .
• Admiration and respect : differences in defining.
• What is artificial intelligence? 
• Define the concept of memory in history and science. 
• What is a genetic code?
• Immunology and its impact on modern medicine.
• What is gene therapy ?
• What are prions?
• How does drama translation differ from prose translation? 
• What is an extreme long shot, and how is it used in movies?
• According to Structuralism, what are “Langue” and “Parole”?  
• In your opinion, what is the main difference between Structuralism and Poststructuralism? 
• Define the poetry of the Beat Generation.
• The importance of Thought and Language in George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 .
• What is a loophole?
• Define multiculturalism and its effect on society. 
• What is Brexit ? 
• What is social identity? 
• How does social media affect people’s idea of attractiveness?
• Male vs. female gaze: how it is used in cinema. 
• What makes something “addictive”?
• Define the Silent Movie Era as opposed to sound films .
• The meaning of the American Dream as depicted in road movies.
• What is so unique about film noir ?
• The meaning of mental health portrayed in movies and how it affects people’s perception of it.
• What is online education ?
• Hip-hop culture and b-boying: definition and historical roots.
• Define modern poetry .
• What is blues, and how is it different from jazz?
• Define imagism in poetry. 

Want more essay ideas? Check out our list of essay ideas for college students !

• Science is not always precise.
• Sports should be encouraged more.
• Should uniform in school be obligatory?
• What are the effects of global warming?
• Pros and cons of the death penalty.
• Do students benefit from assignments?
• Ways to deal with drug abuse .
• Why should childbirth be encouraged?
• Natural food is more beneficial for health than manufactured products.
• Children should be taught about sex from an early age.
• Education has no actual value in the modern world.
• Does the legalization of drugs have a positive or negative effect on society ?
• Why is diet more effective than doing sports for losing weight?
• Working out is beneficial for mental health.  
• The Keto diet doesn’t work for everyone.
• Weightlifting helps with weight loss. 
• Natural protein is better than protein supplements.
• Does the level of emotional affect depend on gender?
• The reasons why we should ban factory farming. 
• Animal testing is unethical .
• Farm animals should not be treated with antibiotics.
• Should vaccination be mandatory ?
• Is there a way to store nuclear waste safely? 
• Plastic surgery reinforces beauty standards.
• Is vaping less harmful than smoking?
• Animal testing is a necessary evil. 
• The benefits of animal-assisted therapy .
• Advertising can be considered an art form.
• Animal euthanasia should be illegal.
• There should be no mandatory military service. 
• Education should be free .
• Is a vegan diet beneficial for your health? 
• Should parents limit screen time for their children ? 
• Unpaid internships should be illegal.
• Should teachers be able to express their political views freely?
• Schools should start later.
• Should the grading system be abolished?
• Art should not be censored. 
• Video games can be good for children’s development.
• It is essential to encourage kids to do sports.
• Live-action movies are better than animated ones. 
• GMOs are not safe for consumption and should be banned.
• Should children own personal mobile phones ?
• Reading helps to develop creativity. 
• Group training and mental help services are essential for large organizations.
• Does the use of outsourcing take away legal responsibilities? 
• Technology affects the way businesses deal with their failures.
• Is it morally acceptable to advertise to minors?

When it comes to the definition argument essay, you may need to do a little more research and support your ideas with some strong arguments. First, you need to introduce the issue, state the claim and define the key term. Then you can present your arguments to prove your point and convince the reader. For more ideas, check out our list of argumentative topics .

🤯 Controversial Definition Essay Topics

• What are the benefits of sex education in school ?
• What is a polyamorous relationship? 
• The meaning of death penalties.
• What can be considered a mental disorder?
• Different perceptions of age in various cultures. 
• What is abortion?
• People’s changing attitude towards childbirth. 
• Define assisted suicide.  
• What is taurobolium in religious cults?
• The meaning and benefits of gun control.
• Free journalism doesn’t exist anymore: is it true? 
• Define violence in video games.
• What is internet addiction ?
• The meaning of love in popular culture.
• How polygamy is understood in modern society.
• What is cannibalism? 
• The usage of the n-word: who has the right to say it?
• The perception of underage marriages in different cultures. 
• What is artificial insemination?
• What are the negative aspects of the feminist movement?
• What is considered explicit content?
• How would you define consciousness? 
• What is home-schooling? 
• Define prostitution in ancient Greece.
• What is a prison in the cultural context? 
• What can be called “ censorship “?
• Define “a man” and “a woman.”
• Define climate change and its impact on social movements.
• What is illegal immigration, and what are its leading causes ?
• What is a “prescription drug”? 
• Vaping vs. smoking : definition.
• What is an ethical zoo ?
• Explain the meaning of the word “crime.”
• What does the word “gender” means?  
• Define the word “orphan.” 
• Define the LGBTQ+ rights movement. 
• What does “gender-neutral” mean? 
• The meaning and benefits of conventional medicine.
• Cancel culture: what is it ?
• What is anorexia in a medical context?
• The most common side effects of war. 

Some issues cause controversy due to people’s divided opinions and feelings about them. You may want to pay special attention to those topics and be more careful while discussing them. For more ideas, check out our list of controversial issues .

🎈 Funny Definition Essay Topics

• What does it mean to be an expert in gaming?
• What are the implications behind the phrase “I got a nice job”?
• What does “chilling” mean?
• Describe the various meanings of the verb “to quit” and its usage.
• Define the worst tattoo ever. 
• What kind of song can be called a love ballad ?
• What does a “dirty joke” mean?
• Define stand-up comedy .
• How would you interpret the phrase “couch potato”?
• Define humor in Family Guy .
• What does “drama queen” mean?
• Stereotypes and how they are used in movies and books.
• What does it mean to “skip classes”?
• What does “pulling an all-nighter” mean?
• What are good drinking habits?
• Reasons why silly movies make you feel good about yourself.
• What does “friendship zone” mean?
• In your opinion, what qualities does one need to have to be described as a player?
• What does it mean to “have a crush”?
• What does “to break up” mean?
• Define femininity and its attributes. 
• What does the word “frenemies” mean?
• What dishes can be called Mediterranean? 
• What does it mean to have a “cat nap”?
• What is a horoscope, and why are people so obsessed with it?
• How do you understand the expression “fake person”?
• What does it mean to be attractive ?
• What is a Quentin Tarantino movie?
• What does it mean to be a narcissist ?
• Where does the phrase “sweet tooth” comes from?
• Define gen Z .
• How would you define fashion ?
• What does the phrase “Netflix and chill” mean?
• What does it mean “ to cheat ” on someone?
• Who are “boomers”? 
• What is WWE , and what social impact does it have on young people?
• Define cringe comedy and what makes it special. 
• What does the internet slang word “simp” mean? 
• What is a good selfie ?
• The meaning behind the “blondes are stupid” stereotype.
• What does it mean to be a “ gym rat”?
• What does it mean “to split the check”?
• What is binge-watching?
• What does it mean to be obsessed ?
• What is lactose intolerance?
• Define a trend and its social effect.

Need even more ideas? Find them in our funny topics list !

📚 Other Definition Essay Topics

Extended Definition Essay Topics

• The meaning of sensitivity . 
• What makes a good husband ? 
• How do you define a mature person?  
• What does it mean to be a good person ? 
• What makes someone trustworthy?  
• What does it mean to be conservative ? 
• How to know if someone is being sexist.  
• What does it take to be charismatic? 
• How do you define a happy marriage? 
• What makes someone a hero ?
• What is happiness for you? 
• Explain what it means to be a charismatic leader. 
• What is humor ?
• How can we define laziness ?

• Describe the characteristics of true leadership.
• Determine what can be called common sense. 
• What constitutes progress ?
• What does it mean to be proud?
• How can we define loyalty ?
• Point out the implications of the word “pessimism.”
• How do people show courage? 
• What does it mean to respect yourself?

Extended definition essays need enough room for elaborate explanation and illustration. Unlike ordinary definition papers, they are more general. Besides, they are open to discussion, counterarguments, and doubts. Because of this, abstract concepts are an excellent starting point for a paper.

Society Definition Essay Topics

• What makes a good person ?
• Explain how you understand equality.
• How can you define globalization? 
• What does the term “white privilege” signify? 
• What does “family” mean?
• Determine the meaning of the word “respect” in today’s society. 
• What does it mean to become an adult ?
• What is feminism ?
• When can a system be called just? 
• Explain what patriarchy is. 
• When is a child well-behaved?
• What do the words “masculinity” and “femininity” mean to you?
• What does the concept of the “glass ceiling” signify? 
• Determine how peer pressure manifests itself.
• How can you define the term “mansplaining”?

Definition essays on society analyze social structures and human interaction. An individual’s perspective on society stems from various influences. It includes their cultural background, age, and gender. Choose one of the following prompts, and ask your relatives or friends what they think about it. You can find some additional helpful ideas in our sociology topics list .

History Definition Essay Topics

• What can we call a revolution? 
• Define a hippie movement.
• Explain who the Suffragettes were. 
• What was the Land of Punt?
• What is colonization?
• What does independence mean for a country?
• What makes something “historic”?
• Explain the “Lebensreform” movement of the 1920s.
• Who were the Untouchables?
• Which events designate the end of the Medieval Period?
• Define the White movement during the Russian revolution.
• What was the Arab Spring?
• Explain who Joan of Arc was.
• What does the term “Antebellum South” signify? 
• What was the Pastry War?

Learning from history is integral to progress. If we understand our past failures, we can shape a better future. Writing about history grants exciting insights into various issues. There are even more essay ideas in our history topics list .

Politics Definition Essay Topics

• What does “ anarchism ” mean?
• How does the system of checks and balances work? 
• Explain what constitutes liberal ideology.
• How does democracy work? 
• How can you define monarchy? 
• Determine when a regime can be called totalitarian.
• Define the meaning of the word “politics.”
• What is McCarthyism?
• What does it take to be a political party? 
• What are the implications of the word “democracy”?
• Describe a society that can be called communist. 
• What defines a capitalistic system?

• How do electoral systems work?
• How can you define the term “witch hunt”?
• What is Gerrymandering?

Definition essays on politics explore mechanisms of governance. There are only four major types of political systems, but there are infinite ways to implement them. Additionally, you can consult our list of compelling political topics to look into .

Mass Media Definition Essay Topics

• The origin of the word “media.”
• What does the term “ mainstream ” entail?
• What is the purpose of broadcasting? 
• Define the different types of mass media .
• What is cross-media publishing?
• Define the term “publicity.”
• What makes a good cover story?
• Explain what television is.
• Describe different types of news articles.
• Define the word “communication.” 
• How does propaganda work?
• What is gonzo journalism? 
• Come up with the definition of the word “sensationalism.”
• What does “gatekeeping” mean?
• How can you explain what “radio” is? 

Mass media is various means of communication aiming to reach as much of the public as possible. Nowadays, it is nearly inescapable, which makes it an interesting subject to investigate.

Culture Definition Essay Topics

• What does the term “ belief ” mean to you?
• What makes a culture diverse?
• How does a culture shock feel ?
• How is the notion of “global village” defined?
• What does “stereotype” mean? 
• What is “cultural appropriation” ?
• What topics can be called taboo?
• Explain the notion of “ zeitgeist. ”
• What is “secularization”? 
• Define the word “ ritual. ”
• What does your culture consider traditional values? 
• What does the notion of “civilization” describe?

• Explain what cultural techniques are.
• What is “ everyday life ”?
• What type of culture is agriculture ?

Culture encompasses abstract notions such as rituals, norms, and manners. Simply put, it has everything to do with people’s way of living. Besides, it expands into the worlds of art, religion, and law. Want some more ideas? Read our extensive list of culture essay topics .

Science and Technology Definition Essay Topics

• What are fossil fuels ?
• How does an area become polluted ?
• How can you define renewable energy sources? 
• Explain what the term “smart technology” means.
• How does a CPU work?
• Define the word “technology.”
• What does the term “science” encompass? 
• What defines a vegetable?
• What is energy?
• What characterizes digital data? 
• How does blockchain work?
• What is weather? 
• Explain the use of cryptocurrency .
• Where did the term “ ecology ” originate?
• Define the notion of time .

Technology becomes increasingly important with each passing day. The IT sector is developing particularly fast. For more inspiration, visit our page with topics on science and technology .

Sports Definition Essay Topics

• What does it mean to be in shape?
• What were the ancient Olympics ?

• Explain the difference between American football and rugby.
• What makes a good chess player?
• When does an activity become a sport?
• Explain the word “agility.”
• What are the typical forms of indoor sports ?
• What is the Tough Mudder?
• Define the difference between a sport and a game .
• What does the term “fitness” signify? 
• What does it mean to be athletic?
• When does a sport become a niche sport?
• What is chess boxing?
• What makes a good football player? 
• What constitutes the different types of wrestling?

Some enjoy sport as a healthy past-time activity. Others prefer to watch it on TV after a long day. With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that sport is one of the world’s biggest industries. You can find more ideas in our list of topics on sports .

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

• How does boredom manifest itself?
• What does it mean to be beautiful?
• How can you define the word “ freedom ”?
• What does “friendship” mean ?
• Define the word “passion.” 
• What is devotion?
• What does the notion of “home” mean to you ?
• How can you define an aura?
• Explain the Categorical Imperative .
• What makes someone a villain? 
• Determine the meaning of the word “justice.”
• What does it mean to love someone or something? 
• What acts show that a person is selfish? 
• What does it mean to be human?
• How does hatred show itself?

“I know that I know nothing.” To this day, Socrates is the prime example of a philosopher. However, philosophy is much more than a profession of ancient times. If you like pondering abstract concepts, have a look at our list of philosophy topics .

✅ Definition Essay Outline Structure & Writing Tips

Definition essay: before you start.

Step #1: Select a topic.

First of all, if your teacher has not specified a theme, you need to select a topic. It can be a subject you know well or something you care about. A bit of research prior to choosing a theme can help pinpoint potential problems. A good idea would be to use a  topic generator for writing .

Step #2: Consider the audience.

Start by creating an outline and organizing your arguments. In doing so, keep your audience in mind. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Who will read your essay?
• What do they already know about the subject?
• Are you addressing a specific group?

Identifying the audience helps to prevent under- or over-explanation. If you know who you are writing for, you know what kind of language to use.

Step #3: Choose a strategy.

Each type of academic writing has its own set of requirements. A definition paper needs to contain an explanation of a concept. Here are different strategies of explaining that you can use in an essay:

• By denotation.  Denotation explains a term through its literal meaning. You can find it in a dictionary. Example: According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, nature is “a creative and controlling force in the universe”. 
• By connotation.  Connotation deals with the implications of a word. It can be positive, negative, or neutral. Have a look at this example: even though “old” and “vintage” have the same denotation, the connotation for “vintage” is more positive. Example: My grandfather calls himself vintage, but I just think he’s old. 
• By negation.  Negation defines what the term is not. Example: Freedom is not the absence of handcuffs. 
• By analogy.  An analogy juxtaposes two things that are similar to each other. Example: Socks are like cages for the feet. 
• By enumeration.  An enumeration is a list of words that serve as an explanation. Example: A hero is someone who is genuinely selfless, helps other people, and wears a cape. 

Definition Essay Introduction

An introduction is the opening part of your essay, which sets the tone and piques the reader’s interest. In this part, you can briefly introduce the topic and develop a strong thesis statement.

• Start with a nice hook that draws attention to the subject.
• Follow it with a transition sentence that leads to the thesis.
• A good thesis statement usually gives its reader a clearly stated definition. That way, they can prepare themselves for the discussion and easily follow your paper.

Definition Essay Body

The body of your essay is a part that includes all the information you want to present to the reader. How you divide your body paragraphs and how many of them you have in your paper depends on the topic and how you choose to present it.

• Usually, the body consists of two to four paragraphs.
• Each body paragraph needs to include a topic sentence, which explains to the reader what this particular paragraph will discuss.
• Every new definition, idea, or argument should be explored in a separate paragraph. That makes your essay more cohesive and professional.

Definition Essay Conclusion

Wrap thing up with a good conclusion. This part of the essay usually summarizes most information from the body and reminds readers of the thesis.

• The summary shouldn’t be elaborate or too long. Only mention the key points.
• When you go back to the thesis statement, don’t use it in the exact same form, but rephrase the sentence while keeping the meaning.

📑 Definition Essay Example: Beauty

So we’ve mentioned all the essential points that can help you write a definition essay. Below, you will find an excellent sample you can use as reference or inspiration while working on your paper. You’re welcome to download the PDF file below:

Throughout centuries people have struggled to define the true meaning of beauty. This phenomenon has been and still is discussed in various literary works and movies. People strive to be beautiful, or they try to find beauty in their life. This essay will argue that beauty is an immense concept with aesthetical and sensual value and varies from person to person.

Definition of Beauty

We hope that this article will help you write a perfect essay! Don’t hesitate and start writing your own definition essay. If you have any questions or ideas on this topic, feel free to share them in the comment section.

• How to Write a Definition Essay: St. Cloud State University
• Definition Essay: Excelsior College OWL
• Vocabulary: Political Words: Scholastic
• Science and Technology: British Council
• NTID-Supported Athletes at RIT: Rochester Institute of Technology
• Glossary of Philosophical Terms: Oxford University Press
• Basic World History Terms and Definitions: Quia
• Essay Structure: Harvard University
• The Definition Essay: Dallas Baptist University
• How to Write an Introduction to an Essay: BBC
• Definition Essays: Reed College
• Essay Writing Tips: Deakin University
• Essay Body Paragraphs: Massey University
• Conclusions: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Negation: Stanford University
• Enumeration: Literary Devices
• “Denotation” vs. “Connotation”: What’s The Difference?: Dictionary.com
• Before You Start Writing That Paper: University of California, Berkeley
• Essay Planning: Outlining with a Purpose: San José State University
• Writing an Outline for Your Essay: Carleton University
• What Is Analogy? Definition and Examples of Analogy in Literature: MasterClass
• Writing Your Conclusion: The University of Sydney
• Identifying Audiences: Purdue University
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Definition Essay Topics: How to Choose the Best?

What Is a Definition Essay? ‍ Definition Essay Structure

How to choose a topic?

Topics by Category

MoreTopic Ideas

Final Words

Writing a definition essay can seem pretty simple. All you need to do is to pick a word and explain what it means. After all, what can be so hard about it? But wait, it only seems that simple until you start writing. Compared to all other essay types, definition papers can get rather tricky, if not challenging.Writing a definition essay can seem pretty simple at first sight. All you need to do is to pick a term and explain what it means in your own words. After all, what can be so hard about it? But wait, it only seems that simple until you start writing. Unlike all other essay types, definition papers can get tricky, if not challenging.

A student must look deep into the problem to create an A-worthy definition paper. It is not enough to simply rephrase the standard definition. Instead, it is necessary to approach the chosen word from different perspectives, look at it from different angles, consider its origin, and keep an eye for detail. That’s the key to success.

Is that all? Unfortunately, writing itself is not the only problem. A lot depends on whether you can choose an effective topic for a definition essay. If you handle this task, you can ensure the success of your essay. But if you fail, no matter how high-quality your essay's content is, you will most likely not get a high grade. Thus, it is vital to make the right choice.

Sounds too confusing and complicated? We get you. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This article will tell you everything you need to know to choose brilliant topics. Also, here, we will share a list of good definition essay topics to help you find inspiration and get on the right track!

What Is a Definition Essay?

A definition paper is one of the most common essay types, often assigned in schools and colleges. This type of paper has a similar structure to a regular essay. However, it has a different purpose. Our paper writing service will tell you in detail what it definition essay and how to work with it correctly.

In a nutshell, the core goal of definition essays is to explain a chosen word, phrase, or complex to the reader. Therefore, students must carefully study and analyze the desired concept to achieve this goal.

Some of the key things to include in your essay are:

• A common dictionary definition (in your own words)
• Origin of the term
• The modern meaning, as well as other old or less known definitions
• History of the word
• Your personal opinion

How long should an essay be? This type of paper is rather short. Typically, it has to be around 500 words. Your goal is to explain the chosen concept to the fullest without exceeding the word limit or making your essay too short.

Since the main focus of this type of essay is a single word or concept, the choice of topic is the most important step. Definition essay topics can be very different. They can be more abstract, like morality or justice, and more specific, like computers or music. In many cases, abstract topics are better as they allow more creativity and give you plenty of scope for research.

In this article, we will tell you how to pick a perfect topic for your definition essay and share some great topic ideas that you can choose right now.

Definition Essay Structure

In the process of composing any essay type, writing skills define success. Hence, useful tips are what you need at all stages, including writing an outline. Usually, students write definition essays by the general essay rules. So, by common sense, your work should look like this:

• Introduction and thesis statement
• Several body paragraphs

Essay writing guides recommend performing good research before writing a plan. Start with an interesting sentence to draw your reader’s attention. Then, for the main body, look up all the explanations of the particular word. How do people understand its literal meaning? How does society use it in everyday life? Maybe, you have a personal experience connected to this term, so write about it! Finally, as an illustration, pick an abstract word like self-esteem or peer pressure.

Eventually, add some closing remarks where you rephrase the main idea of the work. Now you have your perfect essay without hiring writers, thanks to professional writing advice!

How to Make the Right Choice of a Definition Essay Topic

As you probably already know, a good topic is a key to success in writing any academic paper. A definition paper is not an exception. To create a high-scoring paper, you must know how to choose the right topics for a definition essay. After all, how can you possibly create an A-level essay if your subject does not engage the readers?

Okay, that’s clear, but how can you define a good topic for a definition essay and what isn’t? Choosing the essay topic can be troublesome, no matter how easy it may seem. It shouldn’t be boring. At the same time, it has to give you enough scope for research and be clear.

Finding the right combination can be hard. But, we, the professional writing service, are here to lend you a helping hand! We gathered some of the handiest dos and don’ts that will help you find good definition essay topics at ease.

• Start in advance to have enough time to choose a perfect topic and conduct thorough research.
• Read a few samples of an essay to get a clear idea of what topics other students choose and understand what teachers expect of you.
• Make a list of options you can choose.
• Opt for topics that are clear and familiar to you.
• Conduct primary research to collect facts and details about your options.
• Analyze the available facts to choose the right topic.
• Don’t choose a topic that is too boring.
• Don’t opt for too generic words that are clear to everyone.
• Don’t choose words that don’t have any hidden meaning.
• Don’t use topics that are too controversial and create debates since your goal is to define the term but not to argue about something.

These basic tips will help you identify the right topic for essay writing. But, let us give you one more piece of advice. To ensure that your theme is truly engaging, you should pay close attention to details. Namely, here are the main things you have to learn about the chosen word or term:

• Background - Before writing, you should have a clear idea of the origin of the chosen word. Find out where it came from, who used it first, etc.
• Meaning - meanings of words tend to transform throughout the years. Thus, it is important to find out if your word had a different meaning initially that changed over time. Conduct research and collect facts from good sources.
• Antecedent versions - just like the word's meaning can change over time, the form itself can also change. So be sure to check if there were any early versions of the same word.
• Application - how was this word used in the past? And how is it used today? Discover different applications of the same word to find controversies in usage.

Just don't feel like it? Let us handle your task and go on with your life!

Maybe you need to write an expository essay but don't know how to do it, we recommend that you read our guide.

7 Most Common Types of Definition Essay Topics Lists

All definition essay topics can fall into several categories based on the purpose and nature of the essay you want to write. To use our service, you must choose the right topic category that aligns with the purpose of your academic writing, making it easier for our experts to help me write my paper effectively.

In this section of our article, we are going to take a closer look at the seven most common definition essay topics and provide high-quality definition essay topics examples for each:

Extended Definition Essay Topics

In a nutshell, this type of work is pretty much the same standard definition paper. The core goal stays the same - your task is to explain particular words, phrases, or abstract terms. The only key difference is that it requires you to make an even deeper analysis. Also, this type of work allows you to showcase your personal opinion.

A perfect topic for this type of work has to be complex enough to let you analyze it deeply. Therefore, you should pick terms that have a broad meaning.

Now that you know about the key features of this type of paper, here are a few good extended definition essay topics for you to try:

• What does it mean to be brave, and how is it different from having courage?
• What is faith?
• What is the true meaning of love?
• How to define beauty?
• What does trust mean to you, and what role does it play in our lives?
• What is honesty?
• How is wisdom different from knowledge?
• What does it mean to be generous?
• What is respect, and how is it manifested?
• Why is hatred the most destructive feeling of all?

Definition Argument Essay Topics

A definition argument essay not only explains a concept but also strives to persuade the reader of something. It requires you to find the argument for definition essay topics that focus on an ill-defined or controversial concept. Then, you need to define your stance on a particular matter and convince readers of your perspective.

Here are some good definition argument essay topics to consider:

• Mobile devices should be allowed in the classroom.
• Racial segregation in the US.
• What are the worst crimes of all?
• Is the death penalty an arrogance or justice?
• Sports is the best hobby for youth.
• What is patriotism, and why is it vital in the modern world?
• Global warming: What is it, and what are the main causes?
• Why is corporate social responsibility inherent in the corporate world?
• Should uniforms be obligatory in every school?
• Should schools stop assigning homework?

Definition Essay Topics for College

College definition papers have the same purpose and requirements as standard definition essays. The main difference is that they must be deeper and clearly understand the defined concept.

To help you get on the right track, we have prepared ten great definition essay topics for college:

• Who can be called a best friend?
• What does it mean to have good mental health?
• Define male chauvinism.
• What is the true nature of hatred?
• What is brand loyalty, and why does it matter?
• Define cyberbullying.
• The phenomenon of antisemitism.
• What is success?
• Define maturity.
• What does self-determination mean?

Funny Definition Essay Topics

While there is no place for humor in most essay types, a definition paper allows you to showcase your sense of humor by choosing a funny concept to define or offering readers an amusing viewpoint on something.

Here is a funny definition essay topics list to help you find inspiration:

• Why are funny cats videos the best thing in the world?
• The most awkward date.
• What is sarcasm, and why don't people get it?
• Why should [a celebrity of your choice] go for the next US president?
• Why do people love advertisements?
• Why are dogs people’s best friends?
• High-school stereotypes and why they can be good for you?
• Why should animals have more rights than people?
• How to become the most annoying you can be?
• How to waste your time properly and always get away with it?

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Definition essay topics that are controversial may be hard to disclose in a paper, but they are fun to discuss. Here are a few controversial themes to consider:

• Is happiness that important?
• Are vaccines good or bad for us?
• Playing video games is good for you.
• What is nationalism, and why is it bad?
• Is e-learning more or less effective?
• Artificial Intelligence: A new stage of evolution or a global hazard?
• The pros and cons of spam.
• What measures of punishment are unacceptable in a healthy family?
• Is romance dead these days?
• What are the positive aspects of war?
• How does a healthy weight connect with body aesthetics?
• Is honesty an unattainable trait of a good person?

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

While more specific words and terms are easier to define, more abstract topics can give you more space for creativity. In addition, abstract topics with multiple meanings allow you to interpret a chosen word or concept in your way.

Here is a list of some good abstract topics to choose from:

• What is freedom?
• Compassion: How to define it and why is it important?
• What does being lonely mean to you?
• What is boredom?
• Laughter is the best medicine
• What is grief?
• Why do friendships mean so much in our lives?
• Explain the concept of adolescence.
• Define charisma.
• What is civility?
• What does the term freedom mean today?

Easy Definition Essay Topics

It is great if you are willing to explore a complex concept in your essay. But, remember that it is also okay to look more into easy topics. Easy definition essay topics are only different because you can explain them using a dictionary.

Typically, words, phrases, and concepts that are easy to define are pretty specific and narrowed. Here are a few ideas:

• What does family mean to you?
• Explain democracy.
• Define the term equal rights.
• What is poverty?
• What can make a certain house your home?
• What does it mean to be kind?
• Explain terrorism.
• What does marriage mean to you?
• What is e-commerce?
• Define colonization.

More Definition Essay Topic Ideas by Category

If you didn’t find your perfect topic yet, don’t worry! We’ve prepared a list of additional definition essay example topics for you divided by popular categories:

Topics for Definition Essay about Poetry, Love, and Music

• What does platonic love mean?
• Define poetry.
• Why is poetry one of the most admired forms of art?
• How is love expressed in different cultures?
• Why do we love music?
• Music is an alternative form of communication.
• Define the connection between music and emotions.

Definition Essay Topics about Food, Health, and Sport

• What is health and why is it important?
• Explain mental health.
• Why is doing sports good for you?
• What is the difference between mental and physical health?
• What is healthy eating?
• Explain the impact of the food we eat on our health.

Definition Essay Topics about Environment and Nature

• What is nature?
• Define what an environment is.
• The origin of the word “environment.”
• Provide different definitions of nature.
• What is deforestation?
• Define the term “endangered species.”

Definition Essay Topics About Politics, History, and Governance

• The origin of the word “politics.”
• What is politics?
• What is history?
• The evolution of the term “history.”
• Define the term governance.
• What are the different forms of governance?

Definition Essay Topics About IT, Business, Commerce, and Economics

• What does it mean to be a businessperson?
• Explain economic freedom.
• The origin of the term “IT”
• What does business ethics mean?

The Bottom Line

To wrap up everything we’ve discussed in this article, let’s take a look at the key rules of choosing a good definition essay topic once more:

• The word or concept you are going to define should have multiple meanings.
• It should be more specific than broad.
• You should choose a topic that interests you.
• It should be something you know.
• It is vital to analyze the chosen concept well, identifying its origins, common meanings, etc.
• It can be helpful to figure out the history of the word or term and its previous versions.

On top of that, you can think of society definition essay topics or sports definition essay topics. Ensure that you provide the different explanations in your research paper!

Choosing a topic for a definition essay is hard. But writing the paper itself is even harder. It takes solid skills, an in-depth understanding of the subject matter, and a lot of time to create an A-worthy essay. Luckily, there are endless interesting definition essay topics for college students.

However, don’t get stressed if you are feeling stuck! If you lack time for writing a definition paper or have no idea how to do it, ask the team of PaperWriter and buy an essay , we are always here to help you! Trust real pros in academic writing and get an A+ with ease!

Read also our synthesis essay example . This guide will definitely be useful for you.

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100 Intersting Definition Essay Topics

Students all over the world look for definition essay topics at some points of their academic lives. The reason for this is simple: they got an assignment and are now worried about getting it done. There are a number of challenges connected with this task, and for doing everything correctly, you have to have a clear idea of what you’re doing. At first, it is important to figure out  what definition essay is . It’s a genre of writing where you present, explain, and elaborate on some idea, concept, or object. If you check any definition essay topics list, you’ll see that it could be anything, from feelings to technical instruments and philosophical concepts.

Why are such tasks important? They give writers a chance to look at a specific subject from a much deeper perspective than they’re used to, and such practice will be useful in their future life. For example, you might have always known what love is, but have you dwelled on all its meanings? Did you know where the word itself came from and how people’s understanding of it differs depending on their circumstances? A paper like this lets you get a definitive answer.  Choice of topic is extremely important, so knowing how to pick it is crucial.

Selecting Extended Definition Essay Topics

Deciding on a topic for an essay could look like a piece of cake, but in reality, it’s a complex process. You must select something interesting, educational, and academic in nature. Can you readily think of such themes? Probably not. With tips outlined below, making a choice will be easier!

• Choose interesting, not boring.  The worst mistake students could do is pick a topic they’ll hate. There are many definition essay ideas, and while some might seem easier than others, it doesn’t mean you should go for them. Be sure you like your topic and want to explore it. This will help you feel inspiration when you’re writing, so the process will not only be interesting to you, but to your readers as well.
• Brainstorm.  Discussing topics with friends or classmates is always a great idea. For one thing, you might find a sense of direction for your own essay. For another, you could make certain that you pick a unique topic. Very often, professors receive works dedicated to identical issues, and while it’s not always frowned upon, this is still a situation that should be avoided. You won’t want to be accused of plagiarism when you’ve put honest efforts into your essay.
• Compare the topic against the word count.  Some definition essay prompts are more substantial than others. Defining the concept of family could take 5 or even 10 pages, but something like a word “table” wouldn’t let you move farther than 1 or 2. So, think carefully. If you were told to write 1200 words, select a topic accordingly.
• Check availability of sources.  Be sure to check instructions or even a template if it’s available: professors often provide them to make their students’ writing easier. Are the number of sources indicated there? Most essays of academic level have to be based on credible support. That includes peer-reviewed articles, scientific books, and official sites with tested information.

100 Best Definition Paper Topics

A way to choose an appropriate topic is to look through different helpful lists. We’ve prepared one specifically for you. If you are in search of inspiration and cannot settle on an idea you’d like, check options below. There are 10 categories with 10 topics in each: think about which appeals to you more and feel free to pick anything that sounds good.

Family Definition Essay Ideas

Love and family often go together, but family life also has numerous problems. Choose any of these definition essay topics for college and explore this concept from the angle you like.

• An Image of a Perfect Family: Define How It Looks From Your Perspective
• Common American Family: What Does This Image Include?
• What Does Being Teenage Parents Mean & How and Why It Happens?
• Stepfather: Who Is He & What Role Does He Play?
• Being a Mother: Concept, Responsibility, and Purpose
• Who Are Abusive Parents and What Criteria Should Be Met to Be Defined as Such?
• How Could Traditional Family Values Be Defined?
• Families with Multiple Children: What Single Definition Unites Them?
• Elaborate on the Concept of Being an Orphan: What Does This Mean?
• In What Cases Does the Word “Dysfunctional” Apply to Families?

Love and Friendship Topics for Definition Essays

Almost every person has or had friends. These good definition essay topics will help you research this term as you see fit.

• Love as Understood in Families Around the World: How Do Religion and Culture Affect Its Definition?
• Romantic Attraction: What Feelings and Experiences Define It?
• How I Understand the Idea of Having a Best Friend
• Friendship Among Politicians as a Unique Phenomenon
• How Would You Define Unhealthy Relationships?
• Co-dependency: What Is It, What Causes It, & What This Leads To
• Romantic Obsession: What Defines This Concept and How It Emerges?
• Understanding Friendship: What Do Different Populations Say About It?
• Parental Love and Its Inherency: How Do People Understand It?
• Friendship between Men and Women: In What Ways Does It Exist?

Freedom Definition Essay Prompts

Who doesn’t want to be free? With these definition essay topics examples, you could make your point known.

• What Freedom Means to Americans vs. the Rest of the World
• How Do People Who Work All Their Lives Define Freedom?
• Freedom for Prisoners: What Features Does This Idea Entail?
• Limitations In School: What Are They?
• Correlation between Concepts of Freedom and Personal Satisfaction
• How Was Freedom Perceived During WW2?
• Breaks at School: Why Have They Been Created?
• Slavery in the Modern World, Its History, & Changing Reasons That Cause It
• Money in the Context of Freedom
• What Is Your Unique Understanding of Being Free?

This category is full of easy definition essay topics because happiness is a very universal concept that most people can understand.

• Provide Your Personal View on What Being Happy Means
• Define Connection between Dreams and Happiness
• How Could Ancient People Perceive Freedom vs. How It is Understood Now
• What Are Expectations in Terms of Happiness?
• Helping Others to Feel Happy: Define This Phenomenon and Provide Explanation
• How Does a Happy American Normally Look Like?
• Suffering from Depression: What Does This Issue Mean in Relation to Happiness?
• Characteristics of Being Unhappy
• Concept of Joy as Understood in Developed & Underdeveloped Countries
• Define Happiness Like It Is Seen by Families as Unites

Business Topics for Definition Essay

There are diverse topics for a definition essay in the sphere of business. If you are interested in learning how the world works and what money making entails, you might like some of these.

• Define the Word Business by Explaining It & Analyzing Its Background
• How Do You Personally Understand the Concept of Business?
• Transition From Being Employed to Losing Job: Define & Explain It
• Good Salary: What Would It Be in Modern America?
• Merging between Companies: Explain What This Process Implies
• What Are Start-Ups & How Is Their Success Defined?
• Explain What Bankruptcy Is
• What Is Definition of Social Packages and Why Do They Exist?
• What Does Being Fired Mean?
• Explain Maternal Leave and Rules That Surround It

Science and IT Definition Prompts

Science and IT are pretty complicated sectors, but they have lots of fascinating definition essay example topics, especially if this is something you have passion for.

• Explain What Windows Is Like You Would to Newbies
• What Concepts and Directions Does Math Include?
• Cell Phones: Their Old & New Versions and How the Concept Has Evolved Over Time
• Artificial Intelligence: What This Phenomenon Means & How It Came to Be
• Internet as One of the Most Complex and Widest Concepts in Modern Times
• Explain the Job of a Programmer: Which Aspects Are Included Into It?
• What Defines Smartphone?
• E-Learning: What Caused This and How You Would Define It?
• Branch of Physics: Talk About Its Meaning
• Define Laptops and Underline How They Differ From Computers

Definition Essay Topics For College Students

College presupposes tasks with a certain level of complexity. These definition argument topics correspond to it.

• What Is Paragraph in Accordance with Academic Standards?
• How Is Education Understood These Days?
• Explain Relevance & Meaning of Part-Time Education
• Role of Literature in Our Technology-Based World
• What Does Having a Degree Mean Today?
• Discuss the Idea Behind Plagiarism: Concept, Dangers, Reasons, & Impacts
• Define Heteronormativity and Share Information about Its Origins
• Brand Loyalty: What Could People Derive From This Concept?
• Reveal the Core & Reasons of Fascism
• Does Nobility Still Exist & How Could It Be Explained?

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Easy Definition Essays Topics

Sometimes students don’t want to spend too much time on their work. In such instances, easy and funny definition essay topics apply.

• Poverty: How Do People From Different Social Classes Perceive It?
• Define Home Along with Everything This Concept Entails
• What Is Art and How Does Modern Concept Differ From the Past?
• How Would You Define Personal & Global Success?
• What Inspired Fanfiction & Who Are People Interested in Writing in This Genre?
• Explain the Concept Behind Your Favorite TV Show
• Most Perfect Teacher in the World: How Should They Look Like?
• How Do Teenagers Perceive Popularity and What Meaning This Understanding Holds for Them?
• Define Your Favorite Piece of Music
• How Should Social Media Be Defined?

Creative Ideas

Some people are bursting with desire to do things differently. If you’d like creative definition essay topics, check these out.

• What Does a Self-Publishing Process Entail & What Meaning Does It Have?
• Talk About Polygamous People & What This Implies
• What Is Wedding & Which Attributes Represent It?
• All Types of Bed-Sharing: Discuss Them with Examples
• Ghosts: What Are They & When Did People Start Talking About Them?
• Good Sleep: How Many Hours Are needed & What Dreams Are Preferable
• What Are Online Trolls?
• Explain Laptop Freezing, Its Causes, & Reactions This Problem Evokes
• Rainbow Flag: Where Did It Come From & What Meaning Does It Hold?
• “Supernatural” Concept: Explain This Idea

Extended Definition Essays Ideas

Some definitions could be extended to cover more complex or general ideas. These definition paragraph topics will show you how it could be done.

• Being Miserable and Committing Crimes: Define Link Between These Concepts
• Pick Any Three Related Concepts and Elaborate On Them
• Life in Abusive Households & Becoming Abusive: What Do They Mean?
• What Is Laziness & Ways of Its Expression
• Define Having a Selfish Nature
• Weak Teachers: How Would You Explain This Occurrence?
• What Is the Best Definition for Coldness as Personal Trait?
• Human Sexuality and All Its Sides
• Phobias: Explain Concept & Define Its Elements
• How Can Segregation Be Understood?

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