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

However, they did not say whether they intended to remove another layer of soil if lead levels exceed state and federal standards.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether they intended to go on to sell the product is unclear.

From Barron's

Paramount CEO David Ellison wrote in a letter to investors on Monday that the company intends to nominate directors who will advise against the Netflix offer at an upcoming annual meeting.

From Barron's

Separately, Paramount said it intends to submit a competing slate of directors at Warner Bros.’ annual meeting in the hopes of forcing the board to seriously engage with its offer.

From MarketWatch

Credit-card issuers have pushed back, stating the cap would hurt the people it is intended to help.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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