intension

intension — noun

1. the level of strength or emotional force shown in a feeling, sound, or action; i

1.名詞C2
釋義

the level of strength or emotional force shown in a feeling, sound, or action; in modern English, this use is rare and usually replaced by intensity

例句

In the old sermon, the preacher spoke with unusual intension about mercy.

rare formal use: with intension

The critic said the final chorus gained intension as the drums grew louder.

grow in intension as force increases

同義詞
  • intensity

    the normal modern word for this meaning

  • force

    broader; can describe physical power as well as emotional strength

  • strength

    general word for how powerful something feels or sounds

文法句型

with intension

grow in intension

用法筆記

Rare outside older or highly formal writing. In most present-day contexts, speakers use intensity instead.

常見錯誤

❌The intension of the debate was high.
✅The intensity of the debate was high.
💡outside older or technical writing, modern English normally uses intensity for this meaning.

2. the set of qualities that a word or concept includes as part of its meaning, whi

2.名詞C2
釋義

the set of qualities that a word or concept includes as part of its meaning, which lets you decide what the term properly applies to

例句

In class, Ilan said the intension of "bird" includes having feathers and wings.

the intension of + term + includes defining features

The lawyer argued that the intension of "resident" does not cover short-term tourists.

intension determines who a term covers

同義詞
  • conceptual content

    emphasizes the features packed into a concept

  • sense

    broader semantic term; not always limited to formal feature sets

  • connotation

    used in some technical traditions, but in everyday English it more often means emotional associations

反義詞
  • extension

    the full class of things that a term applies to

文法句型

the intension of a term

differ in intension

intension and extension

用法筆記

Common in logic, philosophy, and semantics. Distinguish from extension: intension is the defining content of a term, while extension is the full set of things the term applies to.

常見錯誤

❌The intension of "bird" is all birds in the world.
✅The extension of "bird" is all birds in the world.
💡intension is the defining content, while extension is the full set of members.