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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.

The picture explains what a definition essay is.

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

  • explain how to pick a topic;
  • share actionable writing tips;
  • provide a definition essay sample.

🔝 Top 10 Definition Essay Topics

  1. Can love be defined?
  2. Is empathy a weakness?
  3. Is optimism a strength?
  4. How do you determine success?
  5. What is considered racism?
  6. What does it mean to be nostalgic?
  7. What is liberty for you?
  8. When does one become an adult?
  9. What does it take to be an ambitious person?
  10. How to know if someone is a perfectionist?

⭐ Definition Essay Topics: How to Choose

When it comes to papers dedicated to specific concepts, topics are notoriously hard to choose. How do you find a good idea to write about? Well, here are a few steps you should 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 interpretation of the word is arguable. Unlike “justice” and “truth,” words such as “coffee” or “hose” have a precise meaning you can’t really debate about.
  • Pick the word you are familiar with. You can educate yourself on certain notions before writing an essay, but it’s still different from incorporating it into your everyday experience.

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

💭 Top 7 Definition Essay Prompts

Definition of Love Essay Prompt

Nearly everyone has experienced love at some stage of their life. However, what is love, exactly? How do you define it? Well, love as a term encompasses various meanings and has different implications:

  • You can write about versatile characteristics of love. For instance, it can be all-consuming and destructive or tender and gentle.
  • There are various types of love, such as romantic and platonic, that you can detail in your essay.
  • You may dive into how love doesn’t necessarily have to be directed towards another human. One can also love certain activities or objects.
  • Another widely discussed topic is the love language. Consider writing about how different people perceive and express their love.

Family Definition Essay Prompt

Family is another notion with multiple definitions that you can enjoy exploring. Consider dedicating your essay to the following:

  • Examine the difference between an immediate and a chosen family. The former refers to one’s blood relatives, while the latter is a group of people who love and care for one another, and it doesn’t matter if they are connected by ancestry or not.
  • You could also compare the traditional notion of a family with its less rigid modern variants.

Definition of a Hero Essay Prompt

Stories of heroes have existed since before antiquity. They have undergone radical changes, and so have people’s ideas of what’s considered “heroic.”

Here’s what your essay can focus on:

  • Examine characteristics of heroes from various mythologies. What unites them, and what is dissimilar?
  • Review the contemporary understanding of a hero. You can include fictional examples alongside ones from real life.
  • Is having superpowers mandatory to being a hero, or can anyone spiritually strong and fearless be called that?

Racism Definition Essay Prompt

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

  • Debate the interpretation of the word “racism” in the context of law and social life.
  • Explain how the term “racism” relates to the notions of bigotry and chauvinism.
  • Discuss whether “race” refers only to a social concept and not to an actual difference.

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 location where one originates from.” However, each individual has a distinctive understanding of what it actually signifies.

Here are a few things that you can discuss in your essay:

  • Write about your interpretation of the legendary saying “there’s no place like home.”
  • Talk about the distinctions between “home” and “house.”
  • Explore how the word “home” is related to the “unheimlich” in philosophy.

Definition Essay: American Dream Prompt

The American Dream as a term first appeared in 1931’s Epic of America. However, the concept itself dates back to the country’s founding. Over the years, it gradually shifted its meaning from freedom and equity to prosperity. This ambiguity makes it a fantastic definition essay topic:

  • Discuss how the notion of the American Dream was affected by emerging capitalism and globalization.
  • Write about the concept of the Four Freedoms and how it has shaped people’s perception of the American Dream.
  • Explain how representatives of different genders, races, and social backgrounds interpret the American Dream.

Kindness Definition Essay Prompt

While most of us have a similar understanding of what it means to be kind, it’s still open for debate. Writing about this topic will allow you to contemplate it from varying perspectives.

Here are some exciting ideas to consider:

  • Study the implications of Aristotel’s, Confucius’s, and Nietzsche’s understanding of kindness.
  • Interpret the phrase “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” You can discuss how this saying relates to the common notion of kindness.
  • Talk about altruism and to what extent this principle is attached to the meaning of the word “kindness.”

👍 70 Best Definition Essay Topics: Easy & Exciting

  1. What is anarchism?
  2. What does “commitment” mean?
  3. The ancient and modern concept of a healthy person.
  4. Why does “break a leg” mean “good luck”?
  5. How does the definition of mimesis change through time?
  6. Define postmodern theatre and its elements.
  7. What is the difference between Platonic and Aristotelian understandings of mimesis?
  8. What is euthanasia, and how is it different from assisted suicide?
  9. What is industrialization, and how does it affect our society?
  10. Define individualism from a psychological and sociological perspective.
  11. How would you define grief?
  12. What is the poetry of mourning?
  13. The concept of independence.
  14. What does it mean “to narrate” in literature?
  15. Define liberalism as a political ideology.
  16. How does the concept of family vary depending on the culture?
  17. Egoism in psychology.
  18. The meaning behind the phrase “peace of mind.”
  19. Interpreting Marxism.
  20. What is metaphysics about?
  21. How would you define modernism in theatre?
  22. Define Nietzsche’s ideas of nihilism.
  23. Define the abolitionist movement in Western Europe and the Americas.
  24. The origin of the word “science.”
  25. What is an eating disorder?
  26. What is Ziggurat, and how is it important to the ancient Mesopotamian culture?
  27. What is anorexia?
  28. The meaning of depression from a medical perspective.
  29. What does bulking mean in sports?
  30. People’s perception of sports as a hobby and as a career.
  31. What does it mean to “do business”?
  32. What is a kinetic sculpture?
  33. Papier-mâché and its place in sculpting.
  34. The concept of death and how it affects people’s perception of life.
  35. What is the origin and meaning of the word arena?
  36. Religion as a belief and an institutionalized notion.
  37. Define pacifism and what it means to be a pacifist.
  38. How would you define artistic works through philosophy?
  39. What is cultural pluralism?
  40. What does it mean to be responsible?
  41. What is “common sense?”
  42. Define the modern phenomenon of cyberbullying.
  43. Ego and egoism: how are the two connected?
  44. How would you define the word “rosary”?
  45. Altruism and kindness: the definitions.
  46. People’s understanding of success in the 21st century.
  47. What is the Indian reservation, and what historical importance does it have?
  48. Trauma in psychology.
  49. What is the equality of rights?
  50. The image of a contemporary vs. ancient hero.
  51. What is democracy?
  52. What is an argument in writing?
  53. What does it means to lose one’s identity?
  54. What is the meaning of identity in the cultural context?
  55. The concept of time in history.
  56. The perspective on time: linear and circular.
  57. What does it mean to be confident?
  58. People’s perception of gender and the impact it has on society.
  59. Define gothic literature and talk about its key features.
  60. What does the word “taboo” means?
  61. Define grotesque and its importance in art.
  62. What is maturity in psychology?
  63. A butterfly effect in chaos theory.
  64. The meaning of ethics in philosophy.
  65. What does it mean to “fancy someone”?
  66. The understanding of science in ancient Greece and philosophy.
  67. People’s interpretation of art and beauty in the Middle Ages.
  68. What can be called poetry?
  69. What does it mean to “make a long story short”?
  70. How people’s perception of war has been changing throughout history.

🏫 Definition Essay Topics for High School

  1. What is global warming?
  2. How would you define progress?
  3. Define imperialism.
  4. What is polynomial in mathematics?
  5. How are the ideas of imperialism reflected in Orwell’s essay Shooting an Elephant?
  6. The meaning of the hippie movement in the 60s and 70s.
  7. How would you interpret the saying “a friend in need is a friend in deed?”
  8. What is the cultural meaning of the tea ceremony in Japan?
  9. Define teamwork in business.
  10. What does it mean to be a good student?
  11. What is mass culture as opposed to popular culture?
  12. The meaning of the phrase “natural beauty.”
  13. What does it mean to be a good role model?
  14. What is self-confidence?
  15. Intellectual and intelligent: is there any difference?
  16. What is popular culture?
  17. Social media and its influence on teenagers’ communication skills.
  18. Define parenthood.
  19. What is alliteration in poetry?
  20. What does it mean to be a reliable person?
  21. What is classical music?
  22. How would you define happiness?
  23. Does social media increase people’s anxiety levels?
  24. Why do smartphones decrease our attention span?
  25. What can be considered an artwork?
  26. Globalization in contemporary art.
  27. The meaning and the usage of the term lithography.
  28. Activism as an art form.
  29. Explain the term decalcomania.
  30. What does the expression “bite the bullet” mean?
  31. What is biochemistry, and how is it used in nursing?
  32. Astrophysics vs. astrochemistry: definition.
  33. What is sarcasm?
  34. How would you define antisemitism?
  35. What does it mean to have a bad sense of humor?
  36. What does it mean “to oppress?”
  37. Define careerism.
  38. What is housing segregation?
  39. The concept of collectivism in communism.
  40. The meaning of consumerism in the modern world.
  41. What does it mean to be cynical?
  42. Meaning of determinism in philosophy.
  43. Define fascism during the Second World War.
  44. What are the fundamental principles of fatalism?
  45. The philosophy of finalism.
  46. What is Hinduism?
  47. The critical points of liberal discourse.
  48. What does it mean “to exploit”?
  49. What can be called “realistic“?
  50. 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

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

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

🧐 Definition Argument Topics

  1. Science is not always precise.
  2. Sports should be encouraged more.
  3. Should uniform in school be obligatory?
  4. What are the effects of global warming?
  5. Pros and cons of the death penalty.
  6. Do students benefit from assignments?
  7. Ways to deal with drug abuse.
  8. Why should childbirth be encouraged?
  9. Natural food is more beneficial for health than manufactured products.
  10. Children should be taught about sex from an early age.
  11. Education has no actual value in the modern world.
  12. Does the legalization of drugs have a positive or negative effect on society?
  13. Why is diet more effective than doing sports for losing weight?
  14. Working out is beneficial for mental health. 
  15. The Keto diet doesn’t work for everyone.
  16. Weightlifting helps with weight loss.
  17. Natural protein is better than protein supplements.
  18. Does the level of emotional affect depend on gender?
  19. The reasons why we should ban factory farming.
  20. Animal testing is unethical.
  21. Farm animals should not be treated with antibiotics.
  22. Should vaccination be mandatory?
  23. Is there a way to store nuclear waste safely?
  24. Plastic surgery reinforces beauty standards.
  25. Is vaping less harmful than smoking?
  26. Animal testing is a necessary evil.
  27. The benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
  28. Advertising can be considered an art form.
  29. Animal euthanasia should be illegal.
  30. There should be no mandatory military service.
  31. Education should be free.
  32. Is a vegan diet beneficial for your health?
  33. Should parents limit screen time for their children? 
  34. Unpaid internships should be illegal.
  35. Should teachers be able to express their political views freely?
  36. Schools should start later.
  37. Should the grading system be abolished?
  38. Art should not be censored.
  39. Video games can be good for children’s development.
  40. It is essential to encourage kids to do sports.
  41. Live-action movies are better than animated ones.
  42. GMOs are not safe for consumption and should be banned.
  43. Should children own personal mobile phones?
  44. Reading helps to develop creativity.
  45. Group training and mental help services are essential for large organizations.
  46. Does the use of outsourcing take away legal responsibilities?
  47. Technology affects the way businesses deal with their failures.
  48. 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

  1. What are the benefits of sex education in school?
  2. What is a polyamorous relationship?
  3. The meaning of death penalties.
  4. What can be considered a mental disorder?
  5. Different perceptions of age in various cultures.
  6. What is abortion?
  7. People’s changing attitude towards childbirth.
  8. Define assisted suicide.
  9. What is taurobolium in religious cults?
  10. The meaning and benefits of gun control.
  11. Free journalism doesn’t exist anymore: is it true?
  12. Define violence in video games.
  13. What is internet addiction?
  14. The meaning of love in popular culture.
  15. How polygamy is understood in modern society.
  16. What is cannibalism?
  17. The usage of the n-word: who has the right to say it?
  18. The perception of underage marriages in different cultures.
  19. What is artificial insemination?
  20. What are the negative aspects of the feminist movement?
  21. What is considered explicit content?
  22. How would you define consciousness?
  23. What is home-schooling?
  24. Define prostitution in ancient Greece.
  25. What is a prison in the cultural context?
  26. What can be called “censorship“?
  27. Define “a man” and “a woman.”
  28. Define climate change and its impact on social movements.
  29. What is illegal immigration, and what are its leading causes?
  30. What is a “prescription drug”?
  31. Vaping vs. smoking: definition.
  32. What is an ethical zoo?
  33. Explain the meaning of the word “crime.”
  34. What does the word “gender” means?
  35. Define the word “orphan.”
  36. Define the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
  37. What does “gender-neutral” mean?
  38. The meaning and benefits of conventional medicine.
  39. Cancel culture: what is it?
  40. What is anorexia in a medical context?
  41. 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

  1. What does it mean to be an expert in gaming?
  2. What are the implications behind the phrase “I got a nice job”?
  3. What does “chilling” mean?
  4. Describe the various meanings of the verb “to quit” and its usage.
  5. Define the worst tattoo ever.
  6. What kind of song can be called a love ballad?
  7. What does a “dirty joke” mean?
  8. Define stand-up comedy.
  9. How would you interpret the phrase “couch potato”?
  10. Define humor in Family Guy.
  11. What does “drama queen” mean?
  12. Stereotypes and how they are used in movies and books.
  13. What does it mean to “skip classes”?
  14. What does “pulling an all-nighter” mean?
  15. What are good drinking habits?
  16. Reasons why silly movies make you feel good about yourself.
  17. What does “friendship zone” mean?
  18. In your opinion, what qualities does one need to have to be described as a player?
  19. What does it mean to “have a crush”?
  20. What does “to break up” mean?
  21. Define femininity and its attributes.
  22. What does the word “frenemies” mean?
  23. What dishes can be called Mediterranean?
  24. What does it mean to have a “cat nap”?
  25. What is a horoscope, and why are people so obsessed with it?
  26. How do you understand the expression “fake person”?
  27. What does it mean to be attractive?
  28. What is a Quentin Tarantino movie?
  29. What does it mean to be a narcissist?
  30. Where does the phrase “sweet tooth” comes from?
  31. Define gen Z.
  32. How would you define fashion?
  33. What does the phrase “Netflix and chill” mean?
  34. What does it mean “to cheat” on someone?
  35. Who are “boomers”?
  36. What is WWE, and what social impact does it have on young people?
  37. Define cringe comedy and what makes it special.
  38. What does the internet slang word “simp” mean?
  39. What is a good selfie?
  40. The meaning behind the “blondes are stupid” stereotype.
  41. What does it mean to be a “gym rat”?
  42. What does it mean “to split the check”?
  43. What is binge-watching?
  44. What does it mean to be obsessed?
  45. What is lactose intolerance?
  46. 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

  1. The meaning of sensitivity .
  2. What makes a good husband? 
  3. How do you define a mature person? 
  4. What does it mean to be a good person? 
  5. What makes someone trustworthy? 
  6. What does it mean to be conservative? 
  7. How to know if someone is being sexist. 
  8. What does it take to be charismatic? 
  9. How do you define a happy marriage? 
  10. What makes someone a hero?
  11. What is happiness for you?
  12. Explain what it means to be a charismatic leader.
  13. What is humor?
  14. How can we define laziness?
Definitions can be extended, formal, or informal.
  1. Describe the characteristics of true leadership.
  2. Determine what can be called common sense.
  3. What constitutes progress?
  4. What does it mean to be proud?
  5. How can we define loyalty?
  6. Point out the implications of the word “pessimism.”
  7. How do people show courage?
  8. 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

  1. What makes a good person?
  2. Explain how you understand equality.
  3. How can you define globalization?
  4. What does the term “white privilege” signify?
  5. What does “family” mean?
  6. Determine the meaning of the word “respect” in today’s society.
  7. What does it mean to become an adult?
  8. What is feminism?
  9. When can a system be called just?
  10. Explain what patriarchy is.
  11. When is a child well-behaved?
  12. What do the words “masculinity” and “femininity” mean to you?
  13. What does the concept of the “glass ceiling” signify?
  14. Determine how peer pressure manifests itself.
  15. 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

  1. What can we call a revolution?
  2. Define a hippie movement.
  3. Explain who the Suffragettes were.
  4. What was the Land of Punt?
  5. What is colonization?
  6. What does independence mean for a country?
  7. What makes something “historic”?
  8. Explain the “Lebensreform” movement of the 1920s.
  9. Who were the Untouchables?
  10. Which events designate the end of the Medieval Period?
  11. Define the White movement during the Russian revolution.
  12. What was the Arab Spring?
  13. Explain who Joan of Arc was.
  14. What does the term “Antebellum South” signify?
  15. 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

  1. What does “anarchism” mean?
  2. How does the system of checks and balances work?
  3. Explain what constitutes liberal ideology.
  4. How does democracy work?
  5. How can you define monarchy?
  6. Determine when a regime can be called totalitarian.
  7. Define the meaning of the word “politics.”
  8. What is McCarthyism?
  9. What does it take to be a political party?
  10. What are the implications of the word “democracy”?
  11. Describe a society that can be called communist.
  12. What defines a capitalistic system?
Four types of political systems.
  1. How do electoral systems work?
  2. How can you define the term “witch hunt”?
  3. 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

  1. The origin of the word “media.”
  2. What does the term “mainstream” entail?
  3. What is the purpose of broadcasting?
  4. Define the different types of mass media.
  5. What is cross-media publishing?
  6. Define the term “publicity.”
  7. What makes a good cover story?
  8. Explain what television is.
  9. Describe different types of news articles.
  10. Define the word “communication.”
  11. How does propaganda work?
  12. What is gonzo journalism?
  13. Come up with the definition of the word “sensationalism.”
  14. What does “gatekeeping” mean?
  15. 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

  1. At what point does a notion turn into a “belief”?
  2. What makes a culture diverse?
  3. How does a culture shock feel?
  4. What does the “village” in “global village” stand for?
  5. What makes one’s behavior “stereotypical”?
  6. What is “cultural appropriation”?
  7. What topics are commonly called taboo?
  8. Explain the notion of “zeitgeist.”
  9. What is “secularization”?
  10. Interpret the word “ritual” from a psychological viewpoint.
  11. What does your community consider traditional values?
  12. What does the notion of “civilization” describe?
Franklin D. Roosevelt quote.
  1. Explain what cultural techniques are.
  2. What is “everyday life”?
  3. 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. It expands into the worlds of art, myth, and politics. Want some more ideas? Read our extensive list of culture essay topics.

Science and Technology Definition Essay Topics

  1. What are fossil fuels?
  2. Explain what can be called a contaminant.
  3. Defining characteristics of renewable energy sources.
  4. Explain what the term “smart technology” means.
  5. Illustrate what a CPU is for dummies.
  6. Define the word “technology” from the industrial perspective.
  7. What does the term “science” encompass?
  8. What defines a vegetable?
  9. What is potential energy?
  10. What characterizes digital data?
  11. Distinguishing features of a blockchain.
  12. What makes a phenomenon a weather pattern?
  13. Explain the controversy behind the word “crypto.”
  14. Where did the term “ecology” originate?
  15. Define the notions of static and dynamic 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

  1. “Cheating” and its connotations in sport.
  2. What were the ancient Olympics?
The first ever Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C.
  1. Clarify the distinctions between American football and rugby.
  2. What makes a good positional chess player?
  3. How to tell an ordinary game from a sport.
  4. Explain the word “agility.”
  5. What are the typical traits of indoor sports?
  6. What is the Tough Mudder?
  7. Indicate the difference between a sport and a game.
  8. What buzzwords are associated with the term “fitness”?
  9. What does it mean to be athletic?
  10. When does a mainstream sport become a niche one?
  11. What is chess boxing?
  12. Reasons why some board games are recognized as sports.
  13. Performance as a defining aspect of wrestling.

Some enjoy sport as a healthy past-time activity. Others prefer to watch it on TV after a stressful 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

  1. How does ennui manifest itself?
  2. What does it mean to be sublime?
  3. How to varying cultures perceive “privilege”?
  4. What is the distinction between friendship and attraction?
  5. Define the word “passion.”
  6. Explain what devotion is from an emotional standpoint.
  7. What makes certain objects “cursed”?
  8. How can you define an aura?
  9. Explain the Categorical Imperative.
  10. What constitutes a villain?
  11. Determine the meaning of the word “justice.”
  12. What does it mean to idolize someone or something?
  13. What acts show that a person is narcissistic?
  14. Does the term “human nature” refer to anything at all?
  15. 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 educator has not specified a theme, you need to pick a topic. It can be a concept you know well or care about. A bit of research prior to selecting a theme can help pinpoint potential issues. You’d also benefit from using our topic generator for writing.

Step #2: Consider the audience.

Start by outlining and arranging your arguments. In doing so, keep your readers in mind. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Who will read your essay?
  • What do they already know about the concept?
  • 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 language to use.

Step #3: Choose a strategy.

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

  • 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”.
  • 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.
  • Negation defines what the term is not.
    Example: Freedom is not the absence of handcuffs.
  • An analogy juxtaposes two things that are similar to each other.
    Example: Socks are like cages for the feet.
  • 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 beginning of your essay, which sets the tone and piques the reader’s curiosity. In this part, you concisely review the topic and develop a strong thesis statement.

  • Start with a nice hook that attracts attention to the subject.
  • Accompany it with a transition sentence leading to the thesis.
  • A good thesis statement usually gives a clearly stated definition. This allows the readers to prepare themselves for the discussion and easily follow your paper.

Definition Essay Body

The body of your essay contains all the information you want to present to the reader. The division and number body paragraphs in your work depends on the topic and how you choose to present it.

  • Usually, the body consists of 2 to 4 paragraphs.
  • Each body paragraph needs to include a topic sentence, which explains to the reader what the section will discuss.
  • Every new definition or idea should be explored in a separate section. That makes your essay more cohesive and professional.

Definition Essay Conclusion

Wrap thing up with a powerful conclusion. This essay segment usually summarizes 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 you need to write a definition essay, and now we present to you an excellent sample. Use as reference or inspiration while working on your paper. You’re welcome to download the PDF file below:

Example:

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. Go ahead and start writing right now! If you have any questions or ideas on this topic, feel free to share them in the comments below.

🔍 References

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This article was developed by the editorial team of Custom-Writing.org, a professional writing service with 3-hour delivery.
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