Property Definition Snippet

Definition Last Updated 17-Dec-2015 12:51

A property is a named attribute, as opposed to an attribute identified by description. Being a property is therefore a contingent fact about an attribute, i.e. it is created by allocating a name to a quality that is attributed or attributable to particular entities.

In speaking of a specific property (meaning a specific characteristic) of a particular thing there is no ambiguity between property and attribute because the quality has necessarily been attributed to that thing; under such circumstances, property and attribute may be used interchangeably.

See also attribute.