intent
1 Americannoun
-
intents
plural
-
something that someone is intending or meaning to do or achieve; purpose or objective.
The committee's original intent was to raise funds.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
idioms
adjective
-
firmly or steadfastly fixed or directed, as the eyes or mind.
an intent gaze.
- Synonyms:
- concentrated
-
having the attention sharply focused or fixed on something.
intent on one's job.
- Synonyms:
- concentrated
-
determined or resolved; having the mind or will fixed on some goal.
intent on revenge.
- Antonyms:
- vacillating, undecided, indecisive, irresolute
-
an intent person.
noun
-
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
-
for all practical purposes; virtually
adjective
-
firmly fixed; determined; concentrated
an 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
Synonym Usage
See intention.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
Vocabulary lists containing intent
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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19th Amendment (1920)
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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act V
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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.
See Examples For:
Both brothers appear intent on ensuring their interests are represented regarding their future inheritance, but where do the parents’ wishes and dreams figure in this picture?
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026
Writing a short letter of intent that states the reasoning behind gifts, caregiving recognition, business decisions and any other unique circumstances also helps heirs understand the logic and avoid conflict.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026
Then, we watched a four-minute, 39-second video explaining how to file the required notice of intent.
From Salon ● Oct. 4, 2026
The co-pilot has been returned to the United Arab Emirates, where the incident is under investigation to determine any "terrorist activity or intent".
From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026
There was a teasing twinkle in Miss Mortimer’s eye, but she was intent on securing Penelope’s sworn promise.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
By Sony’s gauge, the game disc, for all intents and purposes, has been dead with audiences for a while.
From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026
Yet David craves Monica’s maternal affection as if he were real — and for all intents and purposes, he is.
From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2026
You know what other “Toy Story” character is, for all intents and purposes, a dog?
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026
Chief executive Dan Finley told the BBC earlier this week it would "operate to all intents and purposes as Debenhams Group".
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026
“A mixture; but to all intents and purposes they’re the same thing now,” said Lupin.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
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.
