What is emergent definition?

Emergent definition refers to the process of arriving at a definition through observation and analysis. It involves identifying patterns and characteristics of a concept or phenomenon and constructing a definition based on these observations. Emergent definition is often used in qualitative research, where the researcher aims to understand a complex concept or phenomenon in detail. The definition that emerges from this process is not predetermined but is instead the result of an iterative process of observation, analysis, and refinement. Emergent definitions may be more nuanced and context-specific than traditional definitions, and can be useful in fields such as social science and psychology where concepts are often difficult to define and measure precisely.