Definition facts for kids
A definition is a clear explanation of what something is, what it means, or what its boundaries are. It usually answers the question what. When you are defining something, you are giving its definition. Other words that mean something similar are description and explanation. A definition helps us understand what a word means and when and where we can use it.
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What is a Definition?
A definition helps us understand things better. Imagine someone asks, "What is a bicycle?" A good definition would explain that it's a vehicle with two wheels, handlebars, and pedals, powered by a rider. This helps you know exactly what a bicycle is.
Definitions are very important in many parts of life. They help us communicate clearly. If everyone has a different idea of what a "tree" is, it would be hard to talk about forests!
Why Definitions are Important
Definitions are important for several reasons:
- Clear Communication: They make sure everyone understands the same thing when a word is used. This prevents confusion.
- Learning New Things: When you learn a new subject, like science or history, you need to know the definitions of new words.
- Solving Problems: In subjects like math or logic, clear definitions help us solve problems step-by-step.
- Making Rules: Laws and rules need very precise definitions so that everyone knows exactly what is allowed or not allowed.
Definitions in Mathematics
In mathematics, a definition is a very precise way of saying what something is. It might not always be the simplest way to explain it, but it is used because it is perfectly exact. This exactness is very important because mathematicians use definitions to prove things.
For example, the definition of a "square" in math is a shape with four equal sides and four right angles. This exact definition means that if you have a shape that fits this description, you know it's a square, and you can use all the rules that apply to squares in your math problems.
Images for kids
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A definition states the meaning of a word using other words. This is sometimes challenging. Common dictionaries contain lexical descriptive definitions, but there are various types of definition – all with different purposes and focuses.
See also
In Spanish: Definición para niños
