Stipulative Definition for Dummies

Hey there! Let's talk about the term "stipulative definition." Now, I totally get that some concepts might be a bit tricky to grasp, so don't worry, we'll break it down together in a way that makes sense to you.

So, imagine you and your friend invent a secret handshake. You both agree on specific moves, like a high-five followed by a fist bump. You might say that you and your friend have "stipulated" or agreed on the exact steps that make up your secret handshake, right?

Well, a stipulative definition is sort of like that secret handshake agreement, but with words instead of actions. When we give a stipulative definition, we are creating a specific meaning for a word or term, even if that meaning might be different from its traditional or commonly understood definition.

Let's use an example to help us understand it better. Imagine you have a new pet at home, and it's not a cat or a dog or anything that people usually have as pets. Instead, your pet is a cute little creature you call a "fluffernutter." Now, nobody else knows what this "fluffernutter" is, so you decide to explain it. You might say something like:

A fluffernutter is a small, fluffy creature with big round eyes, a long tail, and it loves to eat fruits and vegetables. It is incredibly friendly and always makes you laugh with its silly antics.

In this case, you are presenting a stipulative definition of the word "fluffernutter." You are giving it a unique and specific meaning that nobody else has previously assigned to it.

Now, it's important to note that stipulative definitions are not the same as dictionary definitions. Dictionary definitions aim to capture the most common or widely accepted meaning of a word, while stipulative definitions provide a personal or specific meaning assigned by someone.

It's kind of like how you might have a different nickname for your pet than your friend does for theirs. You both agreed on those names, just like we agree on stipulative definitions, but they might be completely different from what your teacher or other people might use to describe those animals.

So, to sum it up, a stipulative definition is when we personally create a specific meaning for a word or term, separate from its usual or commonly accepted definition. It's like inventing a secret handshake, but with words instead of actions.

I hope that helps! If you have any more questions or need further clarification, just let me know!