intend

American  

[in-tend] / ɪnˈtɛnd /

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.).

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verb (used without object)

1. to have a purpose or design.

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

intend British  

/ 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)

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Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of intend

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

Example Sentences

The remarks, at a private meeting of Labour MPs and peers with the prime minister, hadn't been intended to be heard beyond the room in which they were made.

From BBC

This served as a model for the OECD’s Pillar 2—except it was never intended to impose an additional tax burden on companies already paying substantial taxes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Musk has told people he intends to take SpaceX public by July.

From The Wall Street Journal

The spinoff is still set to happen under the agreement with Netflix, as the streamer does not intend to buy the cable channels.

From Los Angeles Times

Former Newcastle owner Amanda Staveley has been heavily linked with a continued interest in Tottenham despite a statement in September that she does not intend to make a formal offer for the club.

From BBC

Related Words

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