3. (Logic & Metaph.) The collective attributes, qualities, or marks that make up a complex general
notion; the comprehension, content, or connotation; — opposed to extension, extent, or sphere.
This law is, that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension.
Sir W. Hamilton. Intensitive
(In*ten"si*tive) a. Increasing the force or intensity of; intensive; as, the intensitive words of a
sentence. H. Sweet.
Intensity
(In*ten"si*ty) n. [LL. intensitas: cf. F. intensité. See Intense.]
1. The state or quality of being intense; intenseness; extreme degree; as, intensity of heat, cold, mental
application, passion, etc.
If you would deepen the intensity of light, you must be content to bring into deeper blackness and more
distinct and definite outline the shade that accompanies it.
F. W. Robertson. 2. (Physics) The amount or degree of energy with which a force operates or a cause acts; effectiveness,
as estimated by results produced.
3. (Mech.) The magnitude of a distributed force, as pressure, stress, weight, etc., per unit of surface,
or of volume, as the case may be; as, the measure of the intensity of a total stress of forty pounds which
is distributed uniformly over a surface of four square inches area is ten pounds per square inch.
4. (Photog.) The degree or depth of shade in a picture.
Intensive
(In*ten"sive) a. [Cf. F. intensif. See Intense.]
1. Stretched; admitting of intension, or increase of degree; that can be intensified. Sir M. Hale.
2. Characterized by persistence; intent; unremitted; assiduous; intense. [Obs.] Sir H. Wotton.
3. (Gram.) Serving to give force or emphasis; as, an intensive verb or preposition.
Intensive
(In*ten"sive), n. That which intensifies or emphasizes; an intensive verb or word.
Intensively
(In*ten"sive*ly), adv. In an intensive manner; by increase of degree. Abp. Bramhall.
Intensiveness
(In*ten"sive*ness), n. The quality or state of being intensive; intensity. Sir M. Hale.
Intent
(In*tent") a. [L. intentus, p. p. of intendere. See Intend, and cf. Intense.]
1. Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; — said of the mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-
improvement.
2. Having the mind closely directed to or bent on an object; sedulous; eager in pursuit of an object; —
formerly with to, but now with on; as, intent on business or pleasure. "Intent on mischief." Milton.
Be intent and solicitous to take up the meaning of the speaker.
I. Watts. Intent
(In*tent"), n. [OE. entent, entente, attention, purpose, OF. entente, F. entente understanding,
meaning; a participial noun, fr. F. & OF. entendre. See Intend.] The act of turning the mind toward an
object; hence, a design; a purpose; intention; meaning; drift; aim.
Be thy intents wicked or charitable.
Shak.
The principal intent of Scripture is to deliver the laws of duties supernatural.
Hooker.
