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

It intends to maintain a reserve sufficient to fund at least 12 months of its dividends and plans to expand the reserve to cover 24 months or more.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their analysis showed that the resulting probability distribution did not align with the intended target and revealed extra noise in the experiment that had not been evaluated before.

From Science Daily

Four ICC member countries, including Hungary, have announced they intend to withdraw.

From Barron's

The company said it aims to maintain a reserve “in an amount sufficient to fund at least twelve months of dividends,” and ultimately intends to cover 24 months or more.

From Barron's

But they are also likely intended to quell concerns among progressives who might look askance at one factor in Kelly’s Senate record.

From Salon

Related Words

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