intent1
[in-tent]
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- 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.
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Origin of intent1
1175–1225; Middle English < Late Latin intentus an aim, purpose, Latin: a stretching out (inten(dere) to intend + -tus suffix of v. action); replacing Middle English entent(e) < Old French < Late Latin, as above
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comintent2
[in-tent]
- firmly or steadfastly fixed or directed, as the eyes or mind: an intent gaze.
- having the attention sharply focused or fixed on something: intent on one's job.
- determined or resolved; having the mind or will fixed on some goal: intent on revenge.
- earnest; intense: an intent person.
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Origin of intent2
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comAntonyms
3. irresolute.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
hell-bentdecidedpreoccupiedresolvedfirmsetbentwatchingsteadybounddeepalertattendingeagerearnestabsorbedattentivecommittedconcentrateddecisiveExamples from the Web for intent
Contemporary Examples
Some brought rocks and bricks, intent on clashing with the police.
The details differ but the intent is the same as in a high-profile case of police brutality.
‘Rectal Feeding’ Has Nothing to Do with Nutrition, Everything to Do with TortureRussell Saunders
December 10, 2014
But Than Dar ignored them, intent on a traditional Buddhist funeral for her husband in Rangoon.
Roy: I try to set an intent every morning and take time to think about whatever I hope to achieve that day.
Dodge has also had something like 20 museum shows and is intent on establishing a museum that would also show his 225 posters.
Pryor Dodge's Two-Wheeled Obsession Is Now a Museum of Bike HistoryAnthony Haden-Guest
September 15, 2014
Historical Examples
Surely there must have been God's intent in the making of this new-world Republic.
While he was intent on these observations, Elinor turned to the painter.
The Prophetic Pictures (From "Twice Told Tales")Nathaniel Hawthorne
She could see her father looking at her, intent, as if he wondered.
Life and Death of Harriett FreanMay Sinclair
He confessed to me that he was apt to go astray when intent on rhyme.
Biographical SketchesNathaniel Hawthorne
In "Lear," Shakespeare was intent on expressing his own disillusion and naked misery.
The Man ShakespeareFrank Harris
intent
- something that is intended; aim; purpose; design
- the act of intending
- law the will or purpose with which one does an act
- implicit meaning; connotation
- to all intents and purposes for all practical purposes; virtually
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- firmly fixed; determined; concentratedan intent look
- (postpositive; usually foll by on or upon) having the fixed intention (of); directing one's mind or energy (to)intent on committing a crime
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Word Origin
C13 (in the sense: intention): from Late Latin intentus aim, intent, from Latin: a stretching out; see intend
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for intent
n.
"purpose," early 13c., from Old French entente, from Latin intentus "a stretching out," in Late Latin "intention, attention," noun use of past participle of intendere "stretch out, lean toward, strain," literally "to stretch out" (see intend).
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adj.
"very attentive," late 14c., from Latin intentus "attentive, eager, waiting, strained," past participle of intendere "to strain, stretch" (see intend). Related: Intently.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Idioms and Phrases with intent
intent
see to all intents and purposes.
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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.