intent

¹

[in-tent]

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.

intent

²

[in-tent]

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.

intent

/ 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

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

Other Word Forms

• intentness noun
• intently adverb

Word History and Origins

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; intend

Origin of intent²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of intent¹

C13 (in the sense: intention): from Late Latin intentus aim, intent, from Latin: a stretching out; see _intend

Idioms and Phrases

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.

see to all intents and purposes.

Synonym Study

See intention.

Example Sentences

Starbucks said in a post on its blog that though it supports the intent of the city’s law, its complexity creates real-world challenges.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

While there have been some glimpses of attacking intent, former Scotland and British and Irish Lions defence coach Tandy will be especially concerned with his specialist area.

Read more on BBC

"The intent was to clear the ball long and I just hit the ball in a bad way. It was an even bigger mountain to climb."

Read more on BBC

This royal visit signals further intent from Prince William to establish what he has called "more empathetic leadership around the world" where humanitarian issues are concerned.

Read more on BBC

Last weekend it was the improved attacking intent to hold onto, scoring four tries against the All Blacks with wing Tom Rogers becoming the first Welsh player to score a hat-trick against New Zealand.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• decided 
• hell-bent www.thesaurus.com
• preoccupied 
• resolved