definitioner

Definitioner is the plural form of the noun definition in many Scandinavian languages, including Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish. It refers to statements that explain the meaning of a term or concept. In academic and educational contexts, definitioner help establish shared terminology and clarify the boundaries between terms.

The concept derives from Latin definitio, via Old French définition and late Latin definire. In philosophy, linguistics, and semantics, definitioner are used to communicate precise meanings and to distinguish between terms that are similar or overlapping.

Types of definitions include several common categories. Lexical definitions reflect ordinary usage and appear in dictionaries. Stipulative definitions assign a meaning for a term within a specific context or argument. Precising definitions aim to reduce vagueness by clarifying boundaries. Theoretical definitions link a term to a theory or set of postulates. Operational definitions define terms by observable procedures or measurements. Ostensive definitions point to examples or instances to convey meaning.

A typical definition consists of a definiendum (the term being defined) and a definiens (the explanation). Many definitions use the genus–differentia structure, stating the genus (a broad category) and the difference (what sets the term apart). A good definition states necessary and sufficient conditions, avoids circularity, and is neither too broad nor too narrow.

Usage and challenges: Dictionaries provide lexical definitions that capture common usage, while scientific and philosophical work may favor theoretical or operational definitions. Difficulties include ambiguity, vagueness, polysemy, and the risk of circular or overly restrictive definitions. Clear, well-structured definitioner contribute to clearer communication across disciplines.

Example definitions: A lexical definition of “definition” is a statement that explains the meaning of a word or phrase. An ostensive definition of “this apple” would be pointing to an apple while saying “that is an apple.”