Semantics Glossary

intension

A mode of presentation or sense that fixes reference under varying conditions.

extension

The actual referent or set of referents of a term in a given world.

primary intension

The descriptive content that picks out a referent based on epistemic conditions.

secondary intension

The referent fixed by a term given how the world actually is.

rigid designation

A term that refers to the same object in every possible world where it exists.