extensional
UK[ɪkˈstɛnʃənəl]US[ɪkˈstɛnʃənəl]
adj
relating to or characterized by extension, especially the range of things a term applies to, as opposed to its meaning.
adj
(logic) designating a definition that specifies the members of a class rather than describing its qualities.
Morpheme Breakdown
extens
ion
al
extens
stretch out
ion
noun suffix
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'extensional' is built upon the core latin root 'extens-', derived from the verb 'extendere', meaning 'to stretch out'. this verb itself is a compound of 'ex-' (out) and 'tendere' (to stretch). the addition of the noun suffix '-ion' forms 'extension', the act or state of being stretched out. finally, the adjectival suffix '-al' is appended, creating a term that pertains to the concept of extension. in modern logic and philosophy, 'extensional' has evolved from the literal idea of spatial stretching to an abstract concept describing the range of objects to which a term applies, contrasting with 'intensional' which concerns meaning or definition.
Analysis
Structure: extens (stretch out) + ion (noun suffix) + al (adjective suffix)
extens (from latin 'extensus', past participle of 'extendere', meaning 'to stretch out'), ion (latin noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process), al (latin adjectival suffix meaning 'pertaining to').
Examples
the extensional definition of "planet" includes all celestial bodies that meet specific criteria like orbiting the sun.
philosophers distinguish between intensional and extensional contexts in language analysis.
an extensional approach to a category simply lists its members.