"circular definition"Meghatározása és Jelentése

What is a "circular definition"?

A circular definition is a type of definition in which the term being defined is included in its own definition, often leading to confusion or a lack of clarity. In this situation, the definition does not provide any new information or understanding about the term. For example, defining a "circle" as "a round shape that is circular" does not help someone understand what a circle is, as it simply restates the term. Effective definitions should aim to clarify the meaning of a word by providing information about its characteristics, uses, or context without referring back to the term itself. Circular definitions can hinder effective communication and comprehension, making it important to avoid them in clear explanations.