intent

¹ American  

[in-tent] / ɪnˈtɛnt /

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.

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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.

intent ² American  

[in-tent] / ɪnˈtɛnt /

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.

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intent British  

/ 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

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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

intent More Idioms  

1. see to all intents and purposes.

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Related Words

See intention.

Other Word Forms

• intently adverb
• intentness noun

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

It said the investigation concerns "instigation of breach of trust, computer fraud and false attestation with the intent to obtain for another an unlawful benefit."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The intent seems to be to add a bold, tangy element to the rom-com, or at least to suggest a mordant commentary on our American condition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

You’re not going to know at the time of birth, for some people, whether they have the intent to stay or not — including U.S. citizens, by the way,” she said.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Because if we think about domicile as “presence with intent to remain,” well, enslaved people didn’t intend to remain anywhere!

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Other organizations, now intent on treating MDR in Russia, were still waiting for the inexpensive drugs.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• decided
• hell-bent
• preoccupied
• resolved