Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Analytic Definition

Definition: 

An analytic definition is a description of the range of reference of a lexical unit. This description is made up of a:

  • generic term identifying the broad category to which it belongs, and
  • modifying word or phrase which specifies its obligatory components of meaning, thus
    • restricting it to include only the appropriate referents, and
    • distinguishing it from similar senses and words.
Discussion: 

The obligatory components that are specified in an analytic definition are also referred to as core, central, criterial, or diagnostic by semanticists and lexicographers.

Examples: 
  • doctor—"a person licensed to practice medicine"
  • eat—"to take into the body, through the mouth, something which may be thought of as food"
NonExamples: 
  • doctor—"physician; surgeon"
  • eat—"consume; devour"

Defining a lexical unit using a synonym or generic term alone is not sufficient to distinguish it from similar words.

Glossary Hierarchy