intended
Americanadjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of intended
Explanation
Something intended is done on purpose. The intended outcome of a meeting is the result that everyone is planning and hoping for. A robber's intended victim is the person whose purse he means to snatch, and the intended destination of a hot air balloon is the spot where its pilot expects to land. An old-fashioned way to use this word is as a noun, meaning "fiancee" or "person I plan to marry." Intended comes from the verb intend, or "plan," from the Latin intendere, "turn one's attention" or "have as a plan."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The policy is intended to preserve the fragile status quo.
From Barron's • May 19, 2026
Cape Verde was the vessel's intended final destination, but authorities there prevented passengers from disembarking.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
Now, as we intended when siting the center in Jackson Park, many more will visit the South Side.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026
I try to really think it through and if it comes out the way I intended, that gives me such a thrill.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
His hair was slicked back, and he was dressed like he intended to go to the show, in a vintage-cut, slightly rumpled suit, his suspenders exposed.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
