extensionele

Extensionele is a term used in some Dutch-language academic writings to denote aspects related to extension within a system. It functions as an adjective or noun and is used across disciplines to address how a concept, term, or component relates to its external referents or extensions, rather than to its internal properties. The word derives from the Dutch concept extensie (extension) with the suffix -ele that forms adjectives and nouns.

In linguistics and semantics, extensionele is sometimes used to describe an extensional approach, where expressions are interpreted primarily by their referents in the world or models, as opposed to intensional approaches that emphasize sense or properties. In philosophy and logic, the term may appear in discussions of extensional vs intensional contexts and in debates about the ontology of properties and sets. In computer science and software engineering, extensionele can refer to extension mechanisms—modules, plug-ins, or extensions that widen the capabilities of a base system—emphasizing external impact over internal structure.

Usage varies by author, and the term is not universally standardized. Some writers prefer closer Dutch equivalents such as extensional or extensioneel to avoid ambiguity, depending on the field. Because its meaning shifts with disciplinary context, readers should examine the surrounding text for precise usage.

See also extensionality, extensional semantics, intensionality, software extension, and modular design.