Question

read this sentence.

\if you look up deciduous in the dictionary, you will learn that it is an adjective that describes trees and shrubs that shed their leaves each year.\

what type of definition is provided in the sentence?

dictionary definition
extended definition
informal definition
formal definition

Explanation:

Analyze the structure of the provided definition

The sentence states: "If you look up 'deciduous' in the dictionary, you will learn that it is an adjective that describes trees and shrubs that shed their leaves each year."

A formal definition follows a specific three-part structure:

1. The term being defined: "deciduous"
2. The general class or category to which it belongs: "an adjective" (or more broadly, a descriptor of "trees and shrubs")
3. The distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from others in its class: "that shed their leaves each year"

Evaluate the definition types against the options

• dictionary definition: While the sentence mentions looking the word up in a dictionary, "dictionary definition" is not a standard academic classification for types of definitions in writing (which typically include formal, informal, and extended).
• extended definition: This goes beyond a simple explanation to include history, etymology, examples, or detailed descriptions over a paragraph or essay. The sentence is too brief to be an extended definition.
• informal definition: This explains a term using a simple word or brief phrase, often as a synonym or parenthetical explanation (e.g., "deciduous, or leaf-shedding, trees").
• formal definition: This uses the standard formula (Term = Class + Distinguishing Characteristics) to define a word clearly and concisely in a complete sentence structure. The provided sentence fits this structure perfectly.

Answer:

• dictionary definition
• extended definition
• informal definition
• formal definition (Correct answer)