What does definiendum mean?
Definiendum refers to the word or expression that is being defined—the item on which a definition operates. It stands in deliberate contrast to the definiens, the words or symbols that supply the explanation. In the statement 'a bachelor is an unmarried man,' the definiendum is 'bachelor' and the rest is the definiens. The term belongs chiefly to the vocabulary of logic, philosophy, lexicography, and mathematics, where precision about the structure of definitions matters; it rarely appears in casual speech. Its Latin plural is 'definienda'. Knowing it is useful for anyone who writes or evaluates definitions, because it allows one to talk crisply about the two halves of every definition: the term under examination and the language that clarifies it. Related terms include 'definire' (to define) and 'definitio' (definition), all stemming from Latin roots concerning limits and boundaries.
nounThe word or expression that is to be defined; the subject of a definition, as opposed to the definiens, which is the words that do the defining.
- (logic, lexicography) The word or expression to be defined in a definition.
"In the entry, 'definiendum' is the term at stake while the clause that follows it serves as the definiens."
"In a well-formed definition, the definiendum must be stated clearly before any explanation is offered."
"Philosophers often debate whether a circular definition merely restates the definiendum in different words."
Follows the Latin neuter plural pattern, like 'agenda'; used in formal academic writing when referring to multiple terms being defined.
"The glossary lists several definienda whose meanings overlap."
Every definition is a duet between two Latin-named partners: the definiendum asks the question, and the definiens answers it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of definiendum
Definiendum comes from New Latin, formed from the gerundive of the Latin verb 'definire', meaning 'to set bounds to' or 'to determine precisely'. That verb combines 'de-' (completely) with 'finire' (to limit or bound), itself from 'finis', meaning boundary or end. The gerundive form literally conveys 'that which is to be defined'. Its sibling term 'definiens' is the present participle of the same verb, meaning 'that which defines'.
How definiendum is actually used
A technical term used mainly in logic, philosophy, lexicography, and mathematics. It is always paired conceptually with 'definiens', and the two are frequently contrasted in discussions of what makes a definition adequate.
Easily confused with definiendum
The definiendum is the term being defined, while the definiens is the expression that provides the definition.
A definition is the whole statement explaining a term's meaning, whereas the definiendum is only the term being explained.