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. troften foll byfor 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)

Derived Forms

• inˈtender, noun

Other Words From

• in·tender noun
• misin·tend verb
• prein·tend 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

He doesn't actually intend to put this scene in the film--it's a true home movie.

From The Daily Beast

I do, however, intend it to sound mean about the reactionary, prejudice-infested place she comes from.

From The Daily Beast

I was elected by the people of Brooklyn to do this job without fear or favor and that is exactly what I intend to do.

From The Daily Beast

Worried this might turn people off from his performance, Khan said he didn't intend  to offend anyone.

From The Daily Beast

He also said police intend to put their beloved family pet, a Staffordshire bull terrier named Excalibur, to sleep.

From The Daily Beast

The student who does not intend to arouse himself need hope for no keen sense of beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be useless to put you to the expense of drawings, until you have made up your minds on what you intend to have done.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall be glad to hear from you soon, as I intend to go to Padstow in a few days and shall not return under a fortnight.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not intend to vex or grieve you by any conduct of mine; nor do I mean to leave you, now you are both infirm and old.

From Project Gutenberg

I intend leaving this evening for Bridgenorth, to ship the castings, both for Herland and Beeralstone.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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