Hope

English 1301

Definition/Etymology Essay

Your next major writing assignment is called a “Definition” essay.

Here are some steps that may prove useful:

1)      Choose a word or term.  This may actually be the most difficult step!  Think about a concept, idea, phenomena, object, your favorite holiday, or name of a group of people.  In short, it can be almost anything.  It can be an abstract term such as “love,” “evil,” “honor,” “magic,” or “serendipity.”  It could also be an overwhelmingly concrete word such as “cinnamon,” “vampire,” or “crawfish.” Whatever you choose, it should be fascinating to you.  If it is rather abstract, such as “obsession,” your job is to make it concrete and indisputably real for your reader.  If it is clearly concrete, such as “moonstone,” you must try to convey the larger significance that the term holds for you.

2)      **The introduction MUST begin by explaining why the study of etymology is important. The intro MUST include the denotation (dictionary definition) of your word. Discuss the ETYMOLOGICAL history of your word, such as the earliest your word was found in a written text and several early, other language/era spellings of your word. Consider a meaningful quote that uses your word. **

3)      For the body of the essay you can employ all sorts of strategies, which are actually connotations of the word.  It’s up to you, depending upon the word/term you’ve chosen. PLEASE NOTE: You do not have to employ all of the following. You may choose one, two or all, depending on your topic.

You can include:

·         Negation (discussion of what the word/term is not).

·         Redefinition:  This is particularly useful if you feel the need to alter/expand on the commonly perceived definition of your subject or clear up misunderstanding.

·         Discussion of the various types and categories of your term, giving examples and characteristics of each.

·         Discussion of the word’s characteristics.  Using descriptive language, try to impart to your reader the true nature, or essence of your word.  Brainstorm first thing in the morning—you’ll be amazed at what comes up.

·         Examples from personal experience that demonstrate the word’s significance to you.  You can expand on these examples and have fun with them, tell an anecdotal story about your word, if you like.

·         Discussion as to why the word/term is important to you and its effects upon you.

·         Comparisons:  You can provide synonyms and antonyms or similes/metaphors.  For example, “passion is like fire,” and so on and so forth—use your imagination!  Help your reader see what you see and feel what you feel!

·         YOU MAY NOT CHOOSE THE WORD “LOVE.” I have read too many essays that discuss this word. Sorry. 

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