Definition

1. Noun:
   • A definition that explains a term by placing it within a larger phrase or statement that clarifies its meaning: A "contextual definition" does not provide a standalone, dictionary-style explanation. Instead, it defines a word or phrase by showing how it is used in a specific, explanatory context.

Usage

• A "contextual definition" is used in logic, philosophy, lexicography, and language teaching to clarify the meaning of terms that are abstract, technical, or difficult to define in isolation.
• It is particularly useful for defining relational terms, theoretical concepts, or words whose meaning depends heavily on their use within a specific framework.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The philosopher offered a contextual definition of 'truth' as 'that which corresponds to observable reality'.
  • For language learners, a contextual definition like 'He felt bereft after the loss' is often more helpful than a simple synonym list.

Advanced Usage

• In Lexicography: Some dictionary entries, especially for complex concepts, employ a form of contextual definition by providing illustrative sentences that demonstrate typical usage, which implicitly defines the word.
• In Formal Systems: In logic and mathematics, a contextual definition might be used to introduce a new symbol by showing how formulas containing it can be translated into formulas that do not contain it.

Variants and Related Words

• Contextualize (verb): To place or consider something within its context.
  • To fully understand the speech, we must contextualize it within the political climate of the era.
• Contextually (adverb): In a way that relates to or depends on context.
  • The word's meaning is understood contextually.

Synonyms

• Operational definition: A definition that specifies the operations or procedures used to measure or identify a concept.
• Definition by example: Explaining a term by providing specific instances of its use or application.

Related Phrases

• Contextual meaning: The meaning a word or phrase has within a specific situation or text, as opposed to its general dictionary definition.
  • The contextual meaning of 'light' in 'a light room' is different from its meaning in 'a light package'.

Notes

• A "contextual definition" contrasts with an explicit definition or stipulative definition, which states the meaning of a term directly and concisely, often by using other defined terms.
• The reference example, defining "legal duty" as "X has a legal duty to do Y means that X is required to do Y by a contract relationship that would be upheld in a court of law," is a classic instance of a contextual definition. The term "legal duty" is embedded in a larger explanatory framework ("X has a...to do Y means that...").

Noun

1. a definition in which the term is used by embedding it in a larger expression containing its explanation
   • a contextual definition of `legal duty' might be `X has a legal duty to do Y means that X is required to do Y by a contract relationship that would be upheld in a court of law'