Definitionsteknik

Definitionsteknik is the systematic discipline of creating precise, useful definitions for terms and concepts. It is applied in dictionaries, terminology work, standards development, and technical writing. The aim is to produce definitions that are clear, non-circular, and usable across contexts while adequately delimiting a term’s sense.

Origins and foundations include influences from classical logic and philosophy, particularly the idea of defining a term by its genus proximum and differentia, as well as insights from linguistics and modern terminology management. Practice emphasizes consistent structure, accuracy, and testability of definitions in real-world use.

Core principles focus on clarity, conciseness, and stability; minimizing circularity; defining the term by its essential properties; specifying scope and applicability; and providing examples or non-examples when helpful. Definitions should avoid emotive or biased language and aim for language that remains stable as terminology evolves.

Types and structure vary with purpose. Lexical definitions explain how a term is used in ordinary language; stipulative definitions introduce a new usage; precising definitions reduce vagueness for a specific context; theoretical definitions link a term to a theory; operational definitions define a term by measurable criteria. A typical definition includes the term, its class, essential attribute, scope notes, and examples or non-examples.

Process and workflow involve needs analysis, source study, drafting, peer review, and revision. Definitions are tested in typical contexts, aligned with controlled vocabularies and ontologies where relevant, and refined to maintain consistency across a terminology system.

Applications span dictionaries and glossaries, standards and compliance documents, knowledge bases, educational materials, and user manuals. See also related concepts such as lexicography, terminology management, and ontology construction.