Glossary:extension

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Extension

[ɪkˈstɛnʃən]

Definition

Extensions refer to the class of entities to which an expression can be applied. The extension of an expression can be defined as the class of its potential referents. It can change over time.

Examples

Word/Phrase -> bird, Extension -> robin, dove, parrot etc.

Word/Phrase -> Capital of the USA, Extension -> Washington D.C.

Related terms

• Intension

Literature

Bieswanger, Markus & Annette Becker. 2006. Introduction to English Linguistics (2nd edition). Tübingen and Basel: A. Francke Verlag.