Definitorische

Definitorische is an adjective used to describe things related to definition or the act of defining. In German-language and Dutch scholarly writing it is employed to characterize statements, definitions, and criteria that specify the meaning of a term or concept. The term is commonly found in fields such as philosophy, linguistics, lexicography, and legal theory when a precise account of meaning is required.

In philosophy of language and logic, definitorische content refers to the portion of a statement or definition that determines what a term denotes. This can involve giving essential criteria, outlining the genus and differentia, or establishing a framework that fixes the sense of the term. Definitorische formulations aim to make the boundaries of a concept explicit, rather than merely describing observable instances.

Definitorische definitions are contrasted with other definitional forms, such as stipulative definitions (which assign meaning for a specific purpose) and ostensive definitions (which point to examples). Lexical definitions, found in dictionaries, may also be described as definitorische when they specify established meanings, while mathematical or formal definitions use precise criteria to avoid ambiguity.

Example: a definitorische definition of “triangle” might say it is a three-sided polygon, thereby fixing both the term’s content and its applicability. In practice, definitorische material is used to ensure clarity in argumentation, terminology, and technical discussions, especially where precise boundaries between concepts are essential.

Etymology: the term derives from the Latin definire (“to define”) and is adapted into Germanic languages with the -torisch/-ische suffix indicating a relation to definition. It is most common in German-speaking contexts and, to a lesser extent, in Dutch academic writing.