Question

Provide four different definitions for the word "banana" and explain their differences:

Lexical definition: A banana is a yellow, curved fruit with a sweet flavor and soft texture that grows on a tropical plant.
Theoretical definition: In botany, a banana is a fruit of the genus Musa and is classified as a berry, produced by several species of large herbaceous flowering plants in the family Musaceae.
Persuasive definition: A banana is a nature's energy bar, packed with essential nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy snack.
Stipulative definition: For our discussion, let's define a banana as any fruit that has a similar elongated, curved shape and is typically consumed raw.

Answer 1

A banana can be defined in various ways: lexically as a sweet, yellow, curved fruit; theoretically as a berry from the genus Musa in scientific terms; persuasively as a nutritious snack; and stipulatively for the purpose of a discussion as any fruit with a similar shape.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are several definitions for the word "banana," each serving a different purpose:

• Lexical definition: A banana is a yellow, curved fruit with a sweet flavor and soft texture that grows on a tropical plant. This definition describes the common attributes that people associate with the fruit.
• Theoretical definition: In botany, a banana is a fruit of the genus Musa and is classified as a berry, which is a fertilized and fully grown, ripened ovary. This definition explains the scientific classification and growth process of bananas.
• Persuasive definition: A banana is nature's energy bar, packed with essential nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy snack. The definition here is designed to highlight the health benefits of bananas and to encourage their consumption.
• Stipulative definition: For our discussion, let's define a banana as any fruit that has a similar elongated, curved shape and is typically consumed raw. This definition is set specifically for the context of a discussion and may not align with the common or scientific understanding of what a banana is.