How Do You Spell EXTENSIONAL DEFINITION?

Pronunciation: [ɛkstˈɛnʃənə͡l dˌɛfɪnˈɪʃən] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the term "extensional definition" is based on the principles of phonetics, which indicate that each phoneme in a word must be accurately represented by a corresponding letter or combination of letters. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /ɪkˈstɛnʃənəl dɛfɪˈnɪʃən/. This means that the word consists of distinct sounds represented by the letters "e," "x," "t," "e," "n," "s," "i," "o," "n," "a," "l," "d," "e," "f," "i," "n," and "i," with varying stresses and intonations.

EXTENSIONAL DEFINITION Meaning and Definition

1. An extensional definition refers to a type of definition that identifies or describes a term by specifying all the individual instances or members that belong to that term. It focuses on enumerating the objects or individuals that fall under a specific category or concept, rather than providing a general characteristic or description of the term.

   An extensional definition aims to outline the complete or exhaustive list of examples or instances that constitute a certain term. It seeks to define a word or a concept by indicating all the particular items or entities that fall within its scope. This comprehensive enumeration allows for a clear understanding of what is encompassed by the term being defined.

   Unlike an intensional definition, which defines a term by providing its essential attributes or properties, an extensional definition lists specific examples or cases. For instance, instead of defining a "fruit" by describing its characteristics (like being sweet, fleshy, and grown on trees), an extensional definition would list all the fruits individually, such as apples, oranges, bananas, etc.

   Extensional definitions are particularly useful when dealing with terms that have a limited, finite, or countable set of instances or objects associated with them. By explicitly specifying all the elements or instances, extensional definitions offer a practical and exhaustive approach to understanding and defining a concept or term.

Etymology of EXTENSIONAL DEFINITION

The word "extensional definition" is composed of two key parts: "extensional" and "definition".

1. "Extensional":

- Origin: The word "extensional" is derived from the Latin word "extensio", which means "act of stretching out" or "increase in size or scope".

- Etymology: "Extensio" is formed from the Latin verb "extendere" (ex- "out" + tendere "to stretch") meaning "to stretch out".

2. "Definition":

- Origin: The word "definition" comes from the Latin word "definitio", which means "a boundary" or "definition".

- Etymology: "Definitio" is formed from the Latin verb "definire" (de- "down" + finire "to limit") meaning "to set limits" or "to determine".