One of the commonest forms of exposition is definition. We are continually trying to explain the meaning of a word, to "fix its limits," that is, to define it. For this purpose a synonym is helpful, if it is better understood than the word to be defined. Vocation, for example, may not be so clear to some persons as business; to acquiesce, so intelligible as to yield; hypochondria, so well known as melancholy; or melancholy, in turn, so simple as the blues. A definition of this sort is sometimes called loose or synonymous (see the synonyms, homonyms, and antonyms in sect. 127).

In defining a term, we should use as many sentences as we need, and in addition, as many illustrations as will prove helpful. For example, it is not enough to say that "composition is putting things together so as to make one thing out of them, the nature and goodness of which they all have a share in producing." Ruskin therefore adds, "Thus a musician composes an air by putting notes together in certain relations; a poet composes a poem by putting words and thoughts in pleasant order; and a painter, a picture, by putting thoughts, forms, and colors in pleasant order."

If, in defining a term, we use words that need further explanation, we must be sure to supply it. For instance, in "civics is the science of civil government" the italicized words need further definition.

170. Phrasing The Definition

Unless we take care to give finish and exactness to the wording of our definitions, we shall fall into bad habits. Many a boy and girl will say, for example, "A tornado is when the wind blows suddenly and fiercely and it rains in torrents," etc. This is of course all wrong. A noun should be defined as a noun. Thus, instead of "A tornado is when" we should say, "A tornado is a tempest which springs up suddenly and is accompanied by rain, wind," etc. Likewise, an adjective must be defined as an adjective, a verb as a verb. Thus, "To trade means to buy and to Sell" not "To trade is buying and selling"

The repetition of a term should be avoided in a definition. Thus, the following is not a good definition:

A building is something that is built.

Exercises

566. Write directions for playing quoits, duck on a rock, or hop-scotch. If your subject is quoits, you may use this plan:

I. The outfit.

1. Horseshoes.

2. The "hub" (stake). II. Position of the players.

III. Object of the players.

IV. The keeping of the score.

567. Give directions for making soup, bread, or cake; or for freezing ice cream; or for building a coal fire, cleaning a bicycle, or harnessing a horse.

568. Show to what extent an account of the battle of Thermopylae might be an exposition.

569. Give a synonymous definition of each of these words: surly, cudgel, wordy, timely, picturesque, renders, lackey.

570. Explain the difference between a magazine and a newspaper.

571. Give a definition of one of these musical terms: viola, tuba, grand opera, symphony.

572. Explain each of these terms: algebra, geometry, history, physics, drawing, English grammar, botany, literature.