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

Explanation

If you intend to do something, you mean to do it or have it in mind as a goal. Do you plan on getting your holiday cards in the mail before February this year? Then you intend on getting them out early. The world is full of good intentions, meaning there are lots of people who intend to be nice, eat better, floss more, or pick up their dirty socks. But things don't always go as planned. Your actions could produce results that you didn't expect, specify, or ever intend — that might explain the well-known proverb, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."

Example Sentences

Some shipping firms, such as FedEx, have said they intend to return whatever refund they receive to consumers and businesses.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

It added that the publisher regretted his conduct “and did not intend his actions to upset anyone.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Both Orrantia and Do now intend to pursue graduate studies in astronomy.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Zookeepers intend to introduce him soon to a new sibling — Clover, a female mountain lion cub rescued from El Dorado County earlier in March.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“No more gifts, my lady. In fact, I intend to buy...”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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