Hello, quick question: is it ever okay to write the definition of a word in an essay?
Ex:
Opportunist: a person who exploits circumstances to gain immediate advantage rather than being guided by consistent principles or plans.
The word that I’m using isn’t very common. I don’t even think that it’s in our dictionaries. Would the admissions officers take some time to google the word?
I think it would totally depend on how you do it. Want to PM me the word to see if I know it? Or is it kid slang or a foreign language?
Use a synonym. Don’r insult an AO by assuming s/he does not know a word.
And for all that is sacred and holy, do not start an admissions essay with, “Webster’s defines ‘persistence’ as …”
@skieurope It’s a noun. I can’t use a synonym for it because there is no synonym for it.
Actually, if I were the AO, I would be insulted if you listed it. If s/he doesn’t know it, they can look it up.
I got rid of the definition but I really hope that they understand the definition of the word because it’s an integral part of my essay.
They will. People in AO tend to be pretty well educated. And even if they don’t they are old enough to have a real dictionary. All those bookcases must contain a dictionary!
@Happytimes2001 Can I PM you the word?
@YoungThriver Yes, please do.
It depends upon what you are writing. It is sometimes critical that you do so. For example, if you are using a term that could be defined in different ways, then you should incorporate a definition that clarifies how you are using the term. And, in some fields like psychology, you’d always provide an operational definition of the term if it is key to your discussion.
Use of the word with definition risks offending. Use of the word without definition risks confusion. Either way assumes unnecessary risk. I’d avoid the word altogether and shoot for unoffensive clarity.
And under the topic of “know your audience,” we’re talking an admissions essay to a prep school, not an article submission to the American Journal of Psychology. An admissions essay is not the place to try to dazzle with vocabulary usage, and a definition, in addition to bordering on insulting, eats up valuable word count.
I think you’re good if you google the word the definition comes up.
Unless the definition is integral to your essay (e.g. your essay revolves around some kind of little-known concept, perhaps in a foreign language), I’d recommend against including it. As other posters have said, there are dictionaries.
I’ve heard many people that will open with something like what you put in your original post. Then, the entire essay will revolve around questioning that definition or something similar. I think if its in that manner, totally okay. (I can even DM you an example I did if you are interested) However, if you use it casually in the essay, I would not define it as if they may not know it, that comes off in a rude way. Also, maybe its just me, but I think most people know that word.