intension

[ in-ten-shuhn ]

noun

1. intensification; increase in degree.
2. intensity; high degree.
3. relative intensity; degree.
4. exertion of the mind; determination.
5. Logic. (of a term) the set of attributes belonging to all and only those things to which the given term is correctly applied; connotation; comprehension. Compare extension ( def 12 ).

intension

/ ɪnˈtɛnʃən /

noun

1. logic
   1. the set of characteristics or properties by which the referent or referents of a given word are determined: thus, the intension of marsupial is the set containing the characteristics suckling its young and having a pouch Compare extension
   2. Compare subjective intension
2. See determination, intensity
   a rare word for intensity determination
3. See intensification
   a rare word for intensification See intensification

Other Words From

• in·tension·al adjective
• in·tension·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intension¹

First recorded in 1595–1605, intension is from the Latin word intēnsiōn- (stem of intēnsiō ). See intense, -ion

Example Sentences

From this arises the distinctive terms known as the content, extension and intension of concepts, respectively.

From Project Gutenberg

The technical name for any meaning which is thus individualized is intension.

From Project Gutenberg

The distinction between connotation and denotation, extension and intension, applies only to general names.

From Project Gutenberg

It was sayd of olde, that zeale was an Intension of love: of late, that it is a compound of love and anger, or indignation.

From Project Gutenberg

As the intension increases the extension decreases, and vice versa.

From Project Gutenberg