What does intensional mean?
Intensional describes an approach to meaning in which an expression is understood through the concepts, properties, or mode of presentation it expresses, rather than only through the set of individual objects to which it refers. The term is especially important in philosophy, logic, and linguistics, where it is commonly contrasted with extensional. An intensional account explains why expressions such as “the morning star” and “the evening star” may be treated differently even though they refer to Venus. The word is related to intension and the broader family of intensity, intensive, and intensification. Although intensional is sometimes confused with intentional, its established technical sense concerns the interpretation and content of language rather than purpose or deliberate intention. Understanding the distinction helps explain why two statements can have different meanings even when their referents are identical.
adjectiveRelating to intension, especially to a term's meaning as determined by the properties or mode of presentation it expresses rather than only by the set of objects to which it applies. In logic and linguistics, it contrasts with extensional.
- Relating to the meaning of an expression as determined by its mode of presentation, properties, or conceptual content, rather than solely by the objects or cases to which it applies.
"The distinction between intensional and extensional descriptions is central to their analysis of language."
"The distinction between intensional and extensional descriptions is central to their analysis of language."
"In intensional logic, terms such as “the morning star” and “the evening star” cannot be treated as equivalent merely because they refer to the same object."
Intensional thinking shows that two descriptions can point to the same thing yet carry different meanings.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intensional come from?
The English adjective intensional was formed from intension with the suffix -al. Intension comes through Latin intensionem, a term associated with stretching, strain, or intensification, and belongs to the same Latin family as intensive and intensity. Its specialized philosophical and logical meaning developed alongside the comparison with extensional terminology.
How intensional is actually used
This is a specialized term used chiefly in philosophy, logic, and linguistics. In general writing, it should not be used as a straightforward substitute for intentional when discussing purpose.
Easily confused with intensional
Intentional relates to purpose or intention, whereas intensional has a specialized philosophical and logical meaning concerning how a term's interpretation depends on its mode of presentation.
Intensional descriptions depend on how something is presented or characterized, while extensional descriptions are determined by the set of particular objects or cases covered.