Intensity-modifying adjectives operate as supersetting or subsetting operations

Evidence

Fuzzy logic gives a way to deal with a popular class of adjectives when applied to root concepts. Adjectives “very,” “extremely,” “somewhat” and the like imply a transformation that is typically above or below that of the root concept. The key methodological point is that intensity-modifying adjectives invoke supersetting or subsetting operations. — Gary Goertz, Social Science Concepts and Measurement, 696

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the broader literature on fuzzy-set social science methods (Ragin) and to any notes on set-theoretic concept formation.
• DEFINE: Crystallizes the methodological point: adjectives are set-theoretic operations, not mere rhetorical hedges.