What is an “educated” person? Is it the same as “intelligent”? Or should we call “educated” only those with a college degree? A definition essay allows you to investigate these questions and develop your own comprehension of the word.
A definition essay is one of the simplest student assignments. Perhaps the hardest part is coming up with the term to write about. We’re here to help you with it!
On this page, you’ll find:
- A description of the definition essay and appropriate terms for it.
- Plenty of topics for your inspiration.
- A writing guide and an essay example.
🔤 What Is a Definition Essay?
A definition essay describes a concept or explains it. Its purpose is to find and clarify a unique meaning of your chosen term. When writing such a paper, you should imagine explaining a notion to someone unfamiliar with it.
Here are several strategies for defining a word in your essay:
- Example. Use examples from life, literature, movies, or other sources.
- Negation. Clarifying what the concept is not can help you establish what it is.
- Structure. Break the object into parts and describe each one.
- Function. Discuss how it works, giving specific details.
- Background. Narrate the history or evolution of the term.
The strategy choice depends on the concept and your writing prompt. In most cases, you should combine several techniques to compose a compelling essay.
🔘 Words for a Definition Essay – How to Choose a Topic
Follow these recommendations to find a worthy term for your paper:
- Better choose complex and abstract concepts instead of basic words. Your definition shouldn’t be obvious to the reader at first glance. Your perfect word for a definition essay is a concept that can offer several meanings to explore.
- Avoid using nouns that refer to a specific place, person, or thing. If you choose something like “House,” your definition can be too evident and dull. But describing the notion of home will give you more space to evolve your thoughts.
- Begin your research with an explanatory dictionary. It will give you a general idea of the concept and show you ways of defining it. You can later develop a meaning different from that offered in your dictionary.
- Choose a word that means different things for various people or cultures. You can also look for words with intriguing origins or meaning changes.
🔝 Top 10 Definition Essay Prompts
Here are some exciting concepts that have endless opportunities to explore.
1. Freedom Definition Essay
The perception of freedom varies for different people at different stages of their lives. Some define it as the ability to move from one place to another. Others describe it as a complete freedom of action. You can also explore the freedom of speech and specify it to a particular country or historical context.
Freedom of choice is another perspective you can choose in your essay. You can contrast freedom using such words as imprisonment, slavery, restraints, limitation, or confinement. Consider narrowing your definition area to Internet freedom or freedom of expression.
2. Racism Definition Essay
The concept of racism comprises many terms and processes. For example, such notions as discrimination, violence, hatred, or prejudice can help you define racism. The historical background of racism might also vary depending on the countries or cultures you describe. You can also dive into psychological perspectives or social behavior.
Describing racism as a part of sociocultural changes is one of the ways you can define this concept. You should use more scientific terms in this case.
You can use bias as a broader concept and proceed to racial discrimination. Racism can be narrowed down to segregation, nativism, hierarchical ranking, xenophobia, otherness, and supremacism. Political, economic, and legal aspects are also inseparable from this discourse.
3. Hero Definition Essay
The concept of being a hero is somewhat controversial. People considered heroes in one country or culture can be villains in another one. In addition, every epoch dictates what a hero should be. Pop culture, historical context, and changes in human morality also define whether a person is a hero.
In addition, people might understand this concept based on their interests, values, life experiences, or vulnerabilities. Some might say that an Olympic champion is a hero, while others will vote for a person who saved a kitten from death.
In this type of essay, you can think of the person inspiring you the most. Your point of view might differ from that of your audience and, thus, arouse their interest.
4. Heroism Definition Essay
Heroism is typically associated with doing something outstanding and courageous. It usually involves risking one’s life or well-being and even sacrificing themselves.
You can provide a well-known example of heroism and explain its significance and impact on society. Draw parallels with self-sacrifice, the scale of heroism, and altruism. Antonyms can also help you define your understanding of heroism. You can pick something from this list: cowardice, fear, selfishness, or villainy.
Explore how the perception of heroism varies in different time frames, cultures, countries, etc. Make sure you can provide enough examples to support your thoughts.
5. Success Definition Essay
Success is another controversial concept that is a good choice for a definition essay. Before researching dictionaries and opinions, think of your understanding of success.
For some people, success means achieving their goals or exceeding their expectations. Others define success as internal satisfaction or happiness without binding it to material accomplishments.
People often evaluate their success by comparing themselves with others. Depending on the surrounding, equally rich and resourceful people can be successful or not. Besides, every generation defines success differently. Think about the attributes of success typical for certain groups of people.
6. Home Definition Essay
Typically, home is a place where you live. This concept is interesting for a definition essay because it has more meanings than it seems.
While a home is typically a house or apartment, some consider it a town, country, or specific area. This attitude is common among those who moved abroad.
Most people don’t live in the same place their whole life. So, the perception of home can change over time. Yet, some humans associate home with the place where they grew up. You can also explore the role of furniture, food, smell, people, and feelings in your definition of home.
7. Kindness Definition Essay
People usually associate kindness with such qualities as altruism, generosity, and friendliness toward others. In addition, it means doing something good without expecting anything in return. The most recognized acts of kindness are helping others, volunteering, and being supportive.
Kindness can be a person’s character trait as well. You can depict a genuinely kind person and provide some examples of kindness from your life, history, or fictional story.
You can also contrast this concept using related terms or antonyms. For example, you can explain how kindness differs from politeness, generosity, or empathy. As for antonyms, you can choose one of these: hatred, intolerance, greed, or meanness.
8. American Dream Definition Essay
The original definition of the American Dream comes from the US Declaration of Independence. It might differ from the modern perception of this concept and the evolved stereotypes. The Declaration only claims that “all men are created equal” and enjoy the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
American Dream is a set of beliefs that evolved over time. Most modern people define this concept as working hard to achieve their goals. Success and happiness became more materialistic as the idea changed. Wealth turned into an inseparable part of the American Dream in the mind of most Americans and even people outside of the country. You can describe the evolution of this concept and its significance to Americans.
9. Respect Definition Essay
Respect refers to holding someone or something in high esteem. To respect means to see something as valuable and honor it.
You can approach this term in several different ways:
- Describe how people show respect to others in different cultures. You can pick one culture or even a particular situation within this culture.
- Define respect for beliefs, traditions, or rules in society. For example, it can be obeying specific regulations in religious institutions, hospitals, or national parks.
- Explain respect in the corporate environment. Describe how professionals of different spheres show respect and appreciation.
Self-respect is another sub-term that can be a good topic for a definition essay. You can describe how it is similar to or different from self-esteem and how it influences human life.
10. Courage Definition Essay
And last but not least, courage. This concept is much broader than, for example, bravery or fearlessness.
There are 4 types of courage you can describe in your paper:
- Moral or civil courage. It is the ability to defend your values and beliefs in the face of strong opposition.
- Intellectual courage. It is the courage to confront existing knowledge with your research findings.
- Disciplined courage. It’s when a person can maintain focus and determination despite distractions and challenges.
- Empathetic courage. It is the strength to remain open and feel deeply for other people.
⭐ 70 Best Definition Essay Topics
Here is a list of definition essay titles for high school and college students:
- What is a successful partnership, in your opinion?
- White collar crime: Term definition.
- Define your understanding of creativity.
- What is the definition of service in the business environment?
- Identity theft: Definition, consequences, prevention.
- Explain how you understand sanity.
- Define the concept of cognitive bias.
- Renewable energy definition.
- How can you describe the concept of maturity?
- Explain your understanding of the mental disorder.
- A fallacy: Term definition and examples.
- What does having a status mean in your perception?
- How can you define morality?
- Global warming: Definition, causes, effects.
- How do you understand self-expression?
- Describe the activities of a trade union.
- Power generation definition.
- Explain your understanding of the word “business.”
- Define the concept of business partnership.
- Euthyphro Piety (Holiness) definitions.
- What is your definition of critical thinking?
- How would you define the Hippocratic Oath in modern healthcare?
- Project management definition and importance.
- Explain how you understand the concept of informed consent in medical treatment.
- Interracial adoption definition.
- Define the meaning of homeostasis in the human body.
- Sex and gender: Definition differences.
- What is evidence-based medicine?
- Define the concept of medical ethics.
- Strict scrutiny definition and conditions.
- Explain how you understand the term medication error.
- What is the definition of a placebo effect in healthcare?
- Police corruption: Definition and types.
- Define the concept of medical malpractice.
- What is the meaning of preventive medicine?
- Imperialism: Policy definition.
- Define the concept of patient autonomy in healthcare.
- What is the definition of metacognition in education?
- Community-based nursing: Definition and role.
- Define the concept of differentiated instruction in the classroom.
- What is student-centered learning?
- Immunoglobulin E: Definition and its role.
- Explain the idea of a flipped classroom in education.
- Marasmus: Definition, causes, epidemiology, symptoms, and treatment.
- What is the universal design for learning in a classroom setting?
- Stress: Definition, measurement, and factors of influence.
- What is inquiry-based learning?
- Explain the meaning of cooperative learning in education.
- Definition and dynamics of rape.
- Define the term “21st-century skills” in education.
- What is the definition of formative assessment in the classroom?
- Adult education: Definition and purpose.
- Explain how you understand the term religion.
- What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
- Collaborative reading: Term definition.
- Explain your understanding of the concept of neuroplasticity.
- Define resilience in the context of mental health.
- Dual enrollment: Definition and advantages.
- Explain the concept of attachment theory.
- Define post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Distance education: Term definition.
- What is the definition of positive psychology?
- Explain how you understand the concept of mindfulness.
- Definition and types of plagiarism.
- What is social psychology?
- Explain the concept of behavioral economics.
- The concept and definition of drafting.
- How can you define a financial crisis?
- Explain the definition of deflation in economics.
- Definition of the successful college experience.
🎒 Definition Essay Topics for High School
Here are our top definition essay topics for high school students. Pick your favorite one from the collection below:
Definition Essay on Beauty
- What is the modern conception of beauty?
- Define beauty in terms of body image.
- Explain how you understand natural beauty.
- What are aesthetic standards?
- How would you define mixed-race beauty?
- What is physical attractiveness?
- Inner beauty: what is it?
- How can you describe beauty in art?
- Beauty in terms of fashion and trends.
- What is beauty according to popular culture?
- How do you understand the notion of global beauty?
- How can you explain beauty in media?
- Try to define beauty in terms of gender roles.
- What is esthetics in literature?
- Share your comprehension of environmental beauty.
Friendship Definition Essay: Topics
- What is loyalty in friendship?
- Describe your understanding of trust among friends.
- Platonic friendship: the origins of the term.
- What is the idea of friendly communication?
- How would you define respect among friends?
- What is caring in friendship?
- Friendship of convenience and its meaning.
- What is forgiveness in friendly relationships?
- Define compromise among friends.
- What is acceptance in friendship?
- Explain how you understand a friend’s reliability.
- What is the idea of kindness in friendly relationships?
- How did Aristotle define three types of friendship?
- What characterizes a true friend?
- Define friendship as a support system.
Definition Essay on Love: Topic Ideas
- Explain the notion of soulmates.
- What is unconditional love?
- Define sacrifice in the context of love.
- What is the meaning of falling in love?
- Define heartbreak and its role in love.
- What characterizes love for one’s own child?
- The meaning of love at first sight.
- What is dysfunctional love?
- Compassionate love and its attributes.
- Define loyalty in romantic relationships.
- What is the meaning of enduring love?
- What is passionate love?
- Selfless love: what does it mean?
- What is unrequited love?
- Define forbidden love and its implications.
Family Definition Essay: Topics
- What is the modern definition of family loyalty?
- Family values: what are they?
- Define the meaning of family bonding.
- What is family support?
- How would you define extended family?
- Delineate family traditions.
- Can a childless married couple be considered a family?
- The notion of a blended family.
- Clarify the conception of family heritage.
- The features of family unity.
- Characteristics of a single-parent family.
- What family can be considered large?
- What is a step-family?
- Describe a polygamous marriage type.
- Family resilience and its meaning.
Happiness Definition Essay: Topics
- What is joy in contemporary culture?
- How would you characterize contentment?
- Pleasure as a fundamental human need.
- What is gratitude in psychology?
- Explain how you see peace in the 21st century.
- What is contentment in Buddhism?
- What is euphoria as a feeling?
- Define happiness in the area of relationships.
- What is optimism?
- Explain how you see serenity in life.
- What is joyfulness in literature?
- How do you view the pursuit of happiness?
- What is the quality of life?
- Life satisfaction and its components.
- What is bliss in terms of spiritual enlightenment?
🎓 Definition Essay Topics for College
This selection of topics features more complex terms and issues for college students. Choose the concept you want to define in your paper from the topics below.
Definition Essay Ideas on Business
- What is a monopoly in economics?
- Elucidate the concept of fiscal policy.
- Define privatization in business.
- What is a stock market?
- Explain your comprehension of capital gains.
- The notion of venture capital in economics.
- A recession and its features.
- Distinctive characteristics of fiscal deficit.
- Define inflation and its types.
- What is a supply chain?
- The concept of derivatives in finances.
- The meaning of currency exchange.
- A balance sheet and its constituents.
- Shed light on the notion of liquidity.
- Define gross domestic product in macroeconomics.
Definition of Leadership Essay: Topics
- What is transformational leadership in the workplace?
- Servant leadership and its remarkable features.
- Discuss the concept of distributed leadership.
- What is authentic leadership?
- Describe the idea of formal and informal leadership.
- The meaning of shared leadership.
- Define visionary leadership.
- The characteristics of a situational leader.
- Explain the principles of ethical leadership.
- What is the definition of crisis leadership?
- What are the peculiarities of collective leadership?
- Define democratic leadership.
- What is strategic leadership?
- Cooperative leadership and its attributes.
- Who is a charismatic leader?
Good Definition Essay Topics on Society & Culture
- What is intersectionality concerning gender and race?
- Social capital from a sociological standpoint.
- What is cultural hegemony?
- Define social stratification in terms of class and power.
- What is cultural relativism?
- The concept of socialization and its agents.
- Define institutional racism in healthcare.
- What is structural inequality on a governmental level?
- What is the meaning of cultural transmission?
- Cultural appropriation and its indicators.
- Social justice in the area of politics.
- What is the idea of gender roles in society?
- What are the peculiarities of ideology?
- Define cultural imperialism in media.
- How would you define cultural heritage?
Science & Technology Definition Essay Topics
- What is quantum computing in physics?
- The distinctive features of artificial intelligence.
- Define the concept of machine learning.
- Blockchain technology: what is it, and how does it work?
- Provide your understanding of nanotechnology.
- Genetic engineering and its main principles.
- Biotechnology: a definition for non-scientists.
- What is robotics in engineering?
- Cloud computing and its functions.
- What is augmented reality?
- The concept of cryptocurrency.
- Define big data in retail.
- Nanorobotics and how it works.
- Biochemistry and its components.
- What is digital signal processing?
Definition Essay Ideas on History & Politics
- What is democracy in politics?
- The primary features of civil disobedience.
- What is imperialism?
- Define the term “colonialism.”
- What characteristics distinguish totalitarianism?
- Explain your understanding of fascism.
- What is liberalism in international relations?
- Clarify the idea of political hegemony.
- Share how you understand anarchism.
- What is absolutism?
- Political crisis and its characteristics.
- Explain communism as a political system.
- Theocracy: the origins of the term.
- Define nationalism in politics.
- What is feudalism in history?
🔊 Definition Argument Essay Topics
A definition argument essay explains a controversial or questionable concept. It implies that the readers cannot understand the issue clearly until you define the term accurately.
Check out some possible definition argument essay titles.
Controversial Definition Essay Topics
- The evolution of the concept of justice.
- How can you define the term “gender” in the 21st century?
- Trace the evolution of the word “approach.”
- Who is considered a nerd in today’s culture?
- The modern meaning of the word “boss.”
- What is the definition of hipster as it is used today?
- Explain your understanding of the contemporary ghetto.
- The meaning of faux pas in modern English.
- Define the word “intimate” in contemporary language.
- How do dictionaries define “queer”?
Creative Definition Essay Ideas
- What is a dumbphone, and how did this term emerge?
- What does truth mean in the digital age?
- What does “awesome” mean in modern-day English?
- Greenwashing: the origins and meaning of the concept.
- Create your personal definition of loyalty.
- The metaverse concept and its elements.
- Shrinkflation and its indicators.
- How would you define marriage as it is today?
- Influencer marketing: a definition for businesses.
- What media content is considered fake news?
- Create a definition of data mining for a 5-year-old.
- Explain crowdfunding in a way that your grandparents would understand.
- What is a digital detox?
- What behavior can be viewed as social media addiction?
- Provide a detailed definition of consent culture.
📜 Extended Definition Essay Topics
An extended definition essay defines a term comprehensively. This assignment seeks to explain a complex concept in depth using specific vocabulary.
- Social activism and its forms.
- What can be considered a catastrophe?
- What is the meaning of pride in psychology?
- Explain the concept of trust.
- Define bureaucratic tyranny.
- Patriotism: a definition framed by the media.
- Procrastination and its distinctive signs.
- Emotional maturity as a significant indicator of growing up.
- What is self-discipline?
- Gender-based discrimination: how is it manifested?
- What is vanity in terms of wealth and material possessions?
- Explain how you understand assertiveness.
- Self-compassion: how is it practiced?
- Define the concept of intellectual integrity.
- What is modesty when it comes to the lifestyle?
👧 Easy Definition Essay Topics
- What is the definition of terrorism?
- Annotated bibliography: what is it?
- Define your understanding of the term “depression.”
- Explain how you understand the concept of generosity.
- What is the flexible working?
- What is the meaning of patience?
- Define the term persistence.
- The definition and needs of special education.
- What is your understanding of the word “disability”?
- Define the term humility.
- Peer assessment: definition, benefits, and challenges.
- Explain how you understand the concept of honesty.
- What is justice?
- Plagiarism: definition and the importance of correct citation.
- Define the term responsibility.
- What is diligence?
- Blog users: definition and explanation.
- Explain your understanding of politeness.
- What is the definition of privilege?
- Definition of flexible budgeting.
- Explain how you understand discipline.
- What is environmentalism?
- Value-based marketing definition.
✍️ How to Write a Definition Essay?
Writing a definition essay is easy if you break your work into 5 steps.
- Choose the term. Better choose something you understand or can quickly figure out. Narrow your topic if necessary.
- Collect information about the term. Research dictionaries, look for synonyms, and find relatable examples. Make a list of your findings.
- Organize the details. Create a development pattern for your essay. For example, choose chronological order to describe how the term evolved. Craft your thesis statement based on the structure you picked.
- Draft your essay. Remember that your goal is to define the topic, not just to describe it. Provide as many details as possible. Do not define the term by simply repeating it.
- Proofread and edit your writing. Check your grammar and spelling. At this stage, you may even change the ideas in any paragraph.
🗯️ Definition Essay Outline
Like any written assignment, a definition essay should include an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Consult your instructor first if you want to use a more creative structure.
Below, we will describe each part of a definition essay.
Definition Essay Introduction
Provide the background of your chosen topic. Then explain the complexity of the term in your understanding. Finally, define your selected word in your thesis statement at the end of the paragraph. A good definition consists of the term itself, the class of concepts it belongs to, and the characteristics distinguishing it from other related terms.
Write clearly and concisely and provide an overview of what the essay will discuss. The introduction should be informative and give your readers a clear understanding of the term.
Definition Essay Body Paragraphs
Separate each definition or understanding of the term using paragraphs. Each part should focus on a single thought that defines a concept differently.
A paragraph begins with a topic sentence that states its main point. This statement should be followed by a thorough explanation of the issue, using examples and supporting evidence. Each body paragraph should also include a transition sentence that links the section to the next one.
Definition Essay Conclusion
Summarize your main points and add some final thoughts. Indicate what is unique about the term you have chosen. The conclusion should provide the reader with a sense of closure.
Your final paragraph should also encourage the reader to explore the topic further. Provide further research ideas or suggest additional issues related to the term.
📝 Definition Essay Example: Beauty
The idea of beauty is nothing new. Yet, its definition is ever-evolving. In today's world, this concept extends beyond physical features and also includes aspects like inner and self-expressive beauty.
Physical attractiveness is still essential in defining beauty today. Good-looking and well-groomed people enjoy popularity among their counterparts and usually feel self-confident. However, what individuals are seen as physically attractive often depends on beauty standards that vary in different epochs. Nowadays, people are considered beautiful regardless of their body shape, skin color, or hair type. Yet, some physical attributes are preferred, like a slim waist and flawless skin in women and a muscular physique in men.
Apart from physical appearance, the inner world has become significant in defining beauty. It incorporates qualities like kindness, a positive attitude, intelligence, and strength of character. Creativity and passion can also be regarded as sources of inner beauty.
A final component of beauty is self-expression. How people present themselves can significantly affect how others perceive them. Self-expression refers to how people dress, style their hair, and behave in public. These manifestations of individuality can be a valid factor in judging a person.
Overall, beauty is a combination of attractiveness, soul, and personal brand. It is no longer determined by traditional standards and can be found in various forms. As society continues to evolve, the concept of beauty will change along with it.