What does intension mean?
Intension is chiefly a term in logic and philosophy for the properties that make up the meaning of a concept. The intension of a term such as “triangle” consists of attributes such as having three sides, whereas its extension consists of the individual triangles to which the word applies. This distinction allows two terms with the same extension but different intension to describe the same set of objects while conveying different meanings. The word also has a rarer general sense meaning the intensification or strengthening of something, as when describing an increase in the intension of heat. Outside specialized, historical, or formal contexts, intension is not common in everyday English and can easily be mistaken for intention, which means a purpose or plan. Its technical value lies in making explicit the conceptual qualities associated with a word rather than merely listing what that word refers to.
nounIn logic and philosophy, the properties or attributes that constitute the meaning of a term or concept. More generally and rarely, the act or process of intensifying or strengthening something.
- In logic and philosophy, the attributes or properties that constitute the meaning of a term or concept.
- The action or process of intensifying or strengthening something, especially heat or another quality.
"The intension of “triangle” includes the properties of having three sides and three angles."
"For the philosopher, the intension of “justice” includes the moral principles associated with fairness and rights."
"In older scientific language, the temperature of a body could be described as increasing in intension."
The plural is used mainly in formal or technical contexts; the word is uncommon in general English.
"The two definitions assign different intensions to the same term."
Every concept has an inside and an outside: its intension is the bundle of properties inside it, while its extension is the set of things that fall under it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intension come from?
Intension derives from Latin intensionem, a noun formed from intendere, meaning “to stretch out” or “intend.” The same root produced English words including intensive, intention, intent, and extension. The philosophical distinction between a concept’s intension and its extension was established during the development of modern formal logic.
How intension is actually used
Outside logic and philosophy, the word is uncommon and usually appears in formal, historical, or technical writing. It is easily confused with intention, but it does not ordinarily mean a personal aim.
Easily confused with intension
Intension is a logical concept describing the attributes that make up a term’s meaning, whereas intention means a purpose or intended aim.