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; see intend

Origin of intent²

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin intentus “taut, intent,” past participle of intendere “to aim at” ( see intend); cf. intense

Explanation

If you are intent on doing something, you are determined to get it done. If you have an intent, you have a motive or purpose. Intention and intent are synonyms, but with a subtle difference. Intention implies a general desire or plan to accomplish something, while intent is a little stronger, indicating a firm resolve to get it done. Intent can be used as a noun or adjective. So you may be intent on finishing your homework, but the amount of it has you convinced of your teacher's ill intent.

Example Sentences

Both Rigetti and D-Wave have signed letters of intent with the government for $100 million in funding under the 2022 Chips and Science Act, which aims to spur research into emerging technologies.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

The animal, known as BEY03F, seems intent on making history over and over again.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Previously, rulings were made based on the nature of the maps themselves, rather than the intent of their drawers.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

And he warned: "Anyone intent on breaking the law and engaging in anti-social behaviour should be in no doubt that we will enforce the law to maintain public safety."

From BBC • May 15, 2026

She demanded I try everything, intent on getting me to see how much there was to love.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• decided
• hell-bent
• preoccupied
• resolved