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

Intent on ensuring that China leapfrogs the U.S. as the world’s pre-eminent power, Xi Jinping recently made the gutsy and perhaps counterintuitive decision to invest massively in an arena of American strength—basic research.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Congratulations to senior Brian Bonner for making his commitment to the University of Washington official today, signing his National Letter of Intent to continue his athletic and academic career in Seattle!🤘☔

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025

Intent has been the polestar for the evolution of secondary liability—and especially the contributory liability theory—in copyright law.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2025

Intent and mean words have little to nothing to do with it.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2024

Intent and serious, Nokomis filled her red stone pipe with tobacco.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich

Related Words

• decided
• hell-bent
• preoccupied
• resolved