intension
LowAcademic / Technical
Definition
Meaning
In logic and philosophy, the concept or internal content of a term, comprising its defining characteristics or properties.
Can also refer to the internal concentration or directed focus of the mind.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a philosophical/logical term. Often contrasted with "extension" (the set of things a term refers to). Occasionally used in a general sense of "mental concentration," though this is rare and potentially confusing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in the primary philosophical sense. The secondary meaning of "mental intensity" is marginally more common in British English.
Connotations
The word strongly connotes academic, especially philosophical, discourse. Outside such contexts, it is often mistaken for a typo of "intention."
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage in both varieties. Almost exclusively found in technical writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the intension of [NOUN PHRASE][ADJECTIVE] intensionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Standard in philosophy of language, logic, semantics.
Everyday
Extremely rare and likely to be misunderstood.
Technical
Standard term in formal semantics and logic.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The intensional definition was crucial.
- They studied intensional logic.
American English
- An intensional context creates opacity.
- This is an intensional property.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Intension' is a difficult word I learned in my philosophy class.
- The intension of the word 'bachelor' includes being unmarried and male.
- While the extension of 'water' is H₂O, its intension might be 'the clear, drinkable liquid that fills lakes and rivers'.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INtension as the INternal, INtensive definition of a concept, as opposed to its exTension (the Things it refers to).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONCEPTUAL CONTENT IS A CONTAINER (the 'intension' is what's inside the term).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "intention" (намерение). The closest Russian philosophical equivalent is often "интенция" (in phenomenology) or "смысл" (sense) in logic.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'intention'.
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'intensity' or 'intention' is meant.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'intension' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Intension' (with an 's') is a technical term in logic/philosophy for the internal meaning of a concept. 'Intention' (with a 't') means a plan or aim to do something.
Very rarely. Its use in general language to mean 'mental intensity' is archaic and likely to cause confusion. It is overwhelmingly a technical term.
The direct opposite is 'extension'. Extension refers to the set of all objects a term applies to, while intension refers to the concept or properties that define it.
Only if you are studying formal semantics, logic, or philosophy of language. For general English communication, it is unnecessary and potentially misleading.