intentional

[in-ten-shuh-nl]

adjective

1. done with intention or on purpose; intended.

   an intentional insult.

   Synonyms: planned, designed
   Antonyms: accidental

2. of or relating to intention or purpose.

3. Metaphysics.

   1. pertaining to an appearance, phenomenon, or representation in the mind; phenomenal; representational.

   2. pertaining to the capacity of the mind to refer to an existent or nonexistent object.

   3. pointing beyond itself, as consciousness or a sign.

intentional

/ ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl /

adjective

1. performed by or expressing intention; deliberate

2. of or relating to intention or purpose

3. philosophy

   1. of or relating to the capacity of the mind to refer to different kinds of objects

   2. (of an object) existing only as the object of some mental attitude rather than in reality, as a unicorn in she hopes to meet a unicorn See also intensional

Other Word Forms

• intentionality noun
• intentionally adverb
• subintentional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intentional¹

First recorded in 1520–30; intention + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See deliberate.

Example Sentences

“I mean, the trauma is done, so whether it was intentional or, you know, a fireworks accident, that’s the same,” Kunitz said.

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It is unclear whether the contamination was intentional or accidental, and people are being asked to avoid consuming drinks without labels, safety seals or tax stamps.

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It is unclear whether the crash was intentional, police said.

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Berko said he believed some water might have incidentally splashed on the women as Cruz turned around to tell them to stop recording, but denied intentional wrongdoing.

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Bouchard explains how the show’s approach to being inclusive is intentional.

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Related Words

• calculated 
• premeditated 
• voluntary 
• willful