The Difference between Formal and Informal Definitions
When it comes to defining a concept or idea, definitions can be categorized into two types: formal and informal definitions. Though they both serve the same purpose of describing a concept, there are significant differences between the two.
Formal Definitions
Formal definitions are those that you might find in a dictionary or encyclopedia. They are well-researched and provide precise meanings of a particular term or idea. The language used is often more technical and specific, which is why these types of definitions are considered formal.
Formal definitions aim to eliminate any ambiguity or confusion regarding a term, which is why they are meticulously crafted. These definitions often include etymology, history, and usage of a term or concept, in addition to its meaning.
Informal Definitions
Informal definitions, on the other hand, are often used in everyday conversations. They are more casual than formal definitions and are commonly used to explain complex concepts to someone who may not be familiar with them.
Informal definitions are generally shorter and may not describe a term or concept as precisely as formal definitions. The language used in informal definitions is often straightforward and accessible, which makes the concept or idea easy to understand.
The Main Differences between Formal and Informal Definitions
The primary difference between formal and informal definitions is the level of precision in the language used. Formal definitions tend to use technical jargon and are more comprehensive than informal definitions.
Another significant difference is structure. Formal definitions are usually presented in a definitive and rigid framework, whereas informal definitions are more flexible and can be adapted to suit the situation or person to whom they are being explained.
Examples of Formal and Informal Definitions
Let’s use the example of defining the term “global warming.”
A formal definition would be: “Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth’s climate system, primarily caused by human activity that has led to an increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases.”
An informal definition would be: “Global warming is when the Earth gets too hot because of things that humans do. This makes the weather crazy and can cause problems like floods, droughts, and fires.”
Conclusion
In summary, formal and informal definitions serve different purposes and are used in different contexts. Formal definitions aim to provide structured and precise explanations of terms and concepts, whereas informal definitions are less structured and more accessible to the general public. Both types of definitions are important, depending on the context and audience they are intended for.
