Clarity and Precision:
* Avoid ambiguity: The definition should be clear and unambiguous, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
* Specificity: It should be specific enough to distinguish the defined term from others.
* Conciseness: A good definition is concise, using the fewest words possible to convey its meaning.
Accuracy and Completeness:
* Truthfulness: The definition should be accurate and reflect the true nature of the term being defined.
* Comprehensive: It should capture all the essential characteristics of the term, without being overly broad or narrow.
* Avoid circularity: The definition shouldn't use the term being defined within its explanation (e.g., "A chair is something you sit on").
Relevance and Context:
* Appropriate scope: The definition should be tailored to the audience and the context in which it is being used.
* Relatable to existing knowledge: It should build upon the audience's prior understanding and relate the term to familiar concepts.
Other Desirable Qualities:
* Informative: A good definition provides useful information about the term, beyond just its basic meaning.
* Engaging: It can be written in a clear, lively, and interesting style that keeps the reader engaged.
* Accessible: It should be understandable to the intended audience, using appropriate language and avoiding jargon.
Example:
Bad definition: "A cat is a furry animal."
Good definition: "A cat is a small, domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, sharp claws, and excellent night vision."
This good definition is clear, specific, accurate, comprehensive, and avoids circularity.
In summary, a good definition is a clear, concise, accurate, and relevant explanation of a term that helps the reader understand its meaning and its significance within a given context.