intent

¹

[in-tent]

noun

1. something that someone is intending or meaning to do or achieve; purpose or objective.

   The committee's original intent was to raise funds.

2. the act or fact of meaning to do something.

   Any identified individual found to have violated this rule with intent will be suspended from all participation in the forum.

   Synonyms: plot, plan, aim

3. Law.,  the state of a person's mind that directs their actions toward a specific object.

   He was arrested for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

4. the meaning or significance of something said, written, or done.

   I think this summary captures the intent of her lengthy speech.

   It’s difficult to understand the intent of your actions—please explain.

intent

²

[in-tent]

adjective

1. firmly or steadfastly fixed or directed, as the eyes or mind.

   an intent gaze.

   Synonyms: concentrated

2. having the attention sharply focused or fixed on something.

   intent on one's job.

   Synonyms: concentrated

3. determined or resolved; having the mind or will fixed on some goal.

   intent on revenge.

   Synonyms: set, resolute
   Antonyms: vacillating, undecided, indecisive, irresolute

4. earnest; intense.

   an intent person.

intent

/ ɪnˈtɛnt /

noun

1. something that is intended; aim; purpose; design

2. the act of intending

3. law the will or purpose with which one does an act

4. implicit meaning; connotation

5. for all practical purposes; virtually

adjective

1. firmly fixed; determined; concentrated

   an intent look

2. (postpositive; usually foll by on or upon) having the fixed intention (of); directing one's mind or energy (to)

   intent on committing a crime

Other Word Forms

• intentness noun
• intently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intent¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Late Latin intentus “an aim, purpose,” from Latin intentus “a stretching out,” equivalent to inten(dere) + -tus suffix of verbal action; replacing Middle English entent(e), from Old French, from Late Latin, as above; intend

Origin of intent²

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin intentus “taut, intent,” past participle of intendere “to aim at” ( intend ); intense

Word History and Origins

Origin of intent¹

C13 (in the sense: intention): from Late Latin intentus aim, intent, from Latin: a stretching out; see _intend

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. to / for all intents and purposes, for all practical purposes; practically speaking; virtually.

   The book is, to all intents and purposes, a duplication of earlier efforts.

see to all intents and purposes.

Synonym Study

See intention.

Example Sentences

The intent was to prepare for the artificial turf the Bruins will play Saturday inside Allegiant Stadium, but they will also need to significantly level up to beat Nevada Las Vegas.

From Los Angeles Times

Former Royal Marine Commando Paul Doyle, 53, faces charges including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.

From BBC

The parade wasn't the only image coming out China this week that American policymakers intent on maintaining a US-led international order might find concerning, however.

From BBC

Treating requires a corrupt intent - it does not apply to ordinary hospitality, the commission adds.

From BBC

If the intent was merely to get off to a smooth, harmless start and break in the new guys, well … then USC certainly succeeded in that regard.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decided 
• hell-bent www.thesaurus.com
• preoccupied 
• resolved