Concept
Ostensive definition
Overview
An ostensive definition conveys the meaning of a term by pointing out examples. This type of definition is often used where the term is difficult to define verbally, either because the words will not be understood (as with children and new speakers of a language) or because of the nature of the term (such as colors or sensations). It is usually accompanied with a gesture pointing to the object serving as an example, and for this reason is also often referred to as "definition by pointing".
Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).
Philosophers who discussed Ostensive definition
Related ideas
- Ludwig Wittgenstein
- Philosophical Investigations
- Private language argument
- Semantics
- Philosophy of language
- Definition
- John Passmore
Place in the tradition
Part of Conventionalism.