Lesson 1

Question 1

term

Answer 1

a concept that can be expressed precisely.

Question 2

definition

Answer 2

a statement that gives the meaning of a term.

Question 3

6 purposes of definitions

Answer 3

1. show relationships
2. remove ambiguity
3. reduce vagueness
4. increase vocabulary
5. explain concepts theoretically 6. influence attitudes

Question 4

ambiguous word

Answer 4

word with more than one meaning.

Question 5

lexical definition

Answer 5

definition which shows relationships or reduces ambiguity by providing a single,
established meaning of a term (dictionary definition)

Question 6

vague word

Answer 6

word whose extent is unclear.

Question 7

precising definition

Answer 7

definition which makes more precise what was vague or fuzzy (applies only to the situation in which it is used)

Question 8

stipulative definition

Answer 8

definition needed when a new word is invented or an existing word is applied in a new

Question 9

theoretical definition

Answer 9

definition given for a term, not when the word is unfamiliar, but when the term is not
understood (often scientific or philosophical in nature)

Question 10

persuasive definition

Answer 10

definition that aims at persuading the listener one way or another toward the term being
defined