intend

[in-tend]

verb (used with object)

1. to have in mind as something to be done or brought about; plan.

   We intend to leave in a month.

   Synonyms: purpose, aim, expect, contemplate

2. to design or mean for a particular purpose, use, recipient, etc..

   a fund intended for emergency use only.

3. to design to express or indicate, as by one's words; refer to.

4. (of words, terms, statements, etc.) to mean or signify.

5. Archaic.,  to direct (the eyes, mind, etc.).

verb (used without object)

1. to have a purpose or design.

2. Obsolete.,  to set out on one's course.

intend

/ ɪnˈtɛnd /

verb

1. (may take a clause as object) to propose or plan (something or to do something); have in mind; mean

2. to design or destine (for a certain purpose, person, etc)

   that shot was intended for the President

3. (tr) to mean to express or indicate

   what do his words intend?

4. (intr) to have a purpose as specified; mean

   he intends well

5. archaic,  (tr) to direct or turn (the attention, eyes, etc)

Other Word Forms

• intender noun
• misintend verb
• preintend verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of intend¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Latin intendere “to aim, assert, stretch out”; equivalent to in- ² + tend ¹; replacing Middle English entenden, from Old French entendre, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of intend¹

C14: from Latin intendere to stretch forth, give one's attention to, from tendere to stretch

Synonym Study

Intend, mean, design, propose imply knowing what one wishes to do and setting this as a goal. To intend is to have in mind something to be done or brought about: No offense was intended. Mean is a less formal word than intend but otherwise a close synonym: He means to go away. Design implies planning to effect a particular result: to design a plan for Christmas decorations. Propose suggests setting up a program for oneself or offering it to others for consideration: We propose to beautify our city.

Example Sentences

Months after Rivera’s death, his colleagues in a TikTok post shared Friday said they intend to continue the tour in his honor.

From Los Angeles Times

Her sister also signed a contract extension last January, one that was intended to keep her with the team through 2028.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike daily comic strips, political cartoons were intended to stay with the reader long after they’d turned the page, becoming a source of conversation and introspection that could take place throughout the day.

From Salon

Even among those who voted to pause weapons shipments, the accompanying statements suggest that their votes are intended as symbolic opposition to the current humanitarian situation and not necessarily to Israel’s larger bombardment of Gaza.

From Salon

The tone is intended to be similar without having the characters be similar.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aim 
• contemplate 
• design 
• designate 
• destine 
• expect 
• mean 
• plan 
• propose 
• resolve 
• think 
• try