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Also known as: Intended interpretation
The meaning an artifact’s terms and constructs are designed to convey within a specified context and semantics.
DESCRIPTION
Intended meaning captures what designers meant a term or construct to denote, as opposed to accidental or user interpretations. In formal languages, semantics specify this meaning via interpretations and models. Clear intended meanings reduce ambiguity and support interoperability. Documentation, definitions, examples, and constraints communicate intent. Governance processes and model validation ensure the intended meaning remains stable over time and across domains.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
W3C OWL 2 Semantics
The semantics of OWL 2 provides the formal meaning of its constructs.
Connects intended meaning to formal semantics of language constructs.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
An interpretation assigns meanings to the non-logical symbols of a formal language.
Frames intended meaning via interpretations in model theory.
RELATED TERMS
Semantics Interpretation Model-Theoretic Semantics OWL Semantics RDF Knowledge Representation Definition Intension Context Meaning
COMPETING TERMS
Ambiguity
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Semantic & Knowledge Modeling Data Modeling AI Data Governance
TARGET AUDIENCE
Data Steward Data Modeler Data Architect Information Analyst AI Engineer
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Interpretation (logic)
- W3C - Formal semantics for intended meaning
- W3C - RDF semantics underpinning meaning of triples
TOP QUESTIONS
Why does Intended Meaning matter in data governance?
It ensures consistent interpretation of terms, reducing ambiguity and errors across systems and stakeholders.
Category: Relevancy
How do you document Intended Meaning?
Provide clear definitions, examples, constraints, and provenance in a glossary or ontology.
Category: Advice
What is the biggest risk to Intended Meaning?
Semantic drift, where usage changes over time without governance or documentation updates.
Category: Risk
How is Intended Meaning formalized?
Through formal semantics, interpretations, and logical constraints in languages like OWL.
Category: Topic
What’s a competing concept to Intended Meaning?
Ambiguity, when meanings are unclear or multiple interpretations exist.
Category: Alternatives
How do examples reinforce Intended Meaning?
Concrete instances show intended use, clarifying boundaries and avoiding misinterpretation.
Category: Example
Can Intended Meaning change?
Yes, but changes should be governed, versioned, and communicated to users.
Category: Management
What tools help preserve Intended Meaning?
Business glossaries, ontology annotations, and shape constraints like SHACL.
Category: Example
How does Intended Meaning affect interoperability?
Shared intended meanings enable reliable mappings and integration across systems.
Category: Opinion