This paper explores an etesian format, used by speakers to define usual expressions or technical terms, employing data from four distinct languages (Flemish, French, German, and Italian). Speakers draft definitions for their specific recipients by using negative definitional elements. Negation is used to cast supposed grasps which the recipients might amuse and which the speaker wants to debar. Speakers of distinct languages employ the same format of mixing negative and positive definitional elements for defining words. Definitions are employed for arguing, coveying novel knowledge and averting misconceptions.