definiens
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
In logic and philosophy, the part of a definition that states the meaning or properties of the thing being defined; the word, phrase, or set of symbols that serves as the definition of another term (the definiendum).
More broadly, the concept, property, or characteristic that is used to explain or delimit the meaning of a word or term.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A term almost exclusively used in technical contexts of logic, philosophy, semantics, and lexicography. It is a relational term, always paired with and defined in opposition to "definiendum."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage, as it is a technical term from a specialised, international field.
Connotations
Highly academic and theoretical in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse, with equal rarity in specialised texts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[definiens] for [definiendum]The [definiens] of [term]to provide a [definiens]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None; the term is purely technical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central term in logic, philosophy of language, and semantic theory. Example: 'The philosopher criticised the circularity of the definiens.'
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used precisely in lexicography, terminology, and formal logic to discuss the structure of definitions.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In a dictionary, the definiens is the explanation that follows the word being defined.
- A good definiens should be clearer than the definiendum itself.
- The logician argued that the proposed definiens was insufficient because it did not capture all necessary conditions.
- A circular definition occurs when the definiendum appears within its own definiens.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'definiens' as the thing that 'FINISHES' or 'specifies' the definition. It ends with '-iens,' like 'means' – it is the means by which we define something.
Conceptual Metaphor
A definiens is a MAP for a definiendum (the territory).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "определение" (definition). "Definiens" is only the right-hand, explanatory part of a definition. Think "дефиниенс" as "определяющая часть" or "толкование".
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'definition' in general.
- Pronouncing it /ˈdef.ɪ.ni.enz/ (stress on first syllable). Correct stress is on the second syllable.
- Using it outside of academic/technical contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'definiens' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in academic contexts like logic, philosophy, and lexicography.
A 'definition' is the entire statement (e.g., 'A bachelor is an unmarried man'). The 'definiendum' is the term being defined ('bachelor'), and the 'definiens' is the part that does the defining ('an unmarried man').
Yes, the plural is 'definientia' (/dɪˌfɪn.iˈen.ʃə/), though the regular English plural 'definienses' is also occasionally seen.
No. It is a C2-level term for specialists. For general communication, knowing 'definition' or 'explanation' is perfectly sufficient.