subsuming

Subsuming is the act of placing something within a more general category, class, or framework. As a verb, to subsume means to absorb, include, or be absorbed into a larger whole. The term is used across disciplines to describe a relationship of inclusion in which specific items fall under a broader concept.

In logic and philosophy, subsumption describes the relation between a term and a universal or between a class and its members. If all members of a set S are contained in class C, S is subsumed by C. For example, Socrates is subsumed under the class "human."

In mathematics and set theory, subsumption corresponds to a subset relation: A is subsumed by B when A is contained in B (A is a subset of B). The term is used more often in theoretical discussions than in everyday language.

In law, subsumption occurs when a specific fact pattern or case is governed by a more general rule or statute. A conduct or claim can be subsumed under a broader legal standard or provision.

In computer science and information science, subsumption is fundamental in ontology and description logic. A concept B subsumes A if every instance of A is also an instance of B, making B the more general concept.

Etymology: from Latin sub- "under" and sumere "to take up." The term emphasizes placing under a larger category rather than creating a new one.