definície

Definície (plural of definícia) are statements that specify the meaning of a word, phrase, or concept. They aim to identify the referent and the essential properties that distinguish it from other terms. A high-quality definícia is clear, concise, non-circular, and testable; it should be usable in reasoning and communication and minimize ambiguity.

Definitions fall into several types. Lexical definitions capture ordinary usage (as in dictionaries). Stipulative definitions assign a meaning to a term for a particular discourse, regardless of prior usage. Precising definitions reduce vagueness for a given purpose. Ostensive definitions explain a term by pointing to examples. Theoretical definitions define a term by referencing a theoretical framework.

In different disciplines, definitions serve related but distinct roles. In mathematics and logic, definitions are exact and non-circular, establishing the terms that will be used in proofs. In science and philosophy, definitions examine the scope and necessary criteria of concepts such as “species,” “truth,” or “health.” In linguistics, definitions help map semantic relations and clarify meaning across languages.

Etymology: definícia comes from Latin definire, meaning to set boundaries. The plural definície is common in Slovak and appears in dictionaries, encyclopedias, and educational material. Historical notes: Definition has long been central to scholarship, from Aristotle’s search for essences to modern analytic philosophy, where precise definitions underlie arguments and theories.