intentional

[in-ten-shuh-nl]

adjective

1. done with intention or on purpose; intended.

   an intentional insult.

   Synonyms: planned, designed
   Antonyms: accidental

2. of or relating to intention or purpose.

3. Metaphysics.

   1. pertaining to an appearance, phenomenon, or representation in the mind; phenomenal; representational.

   2. pertaining to the capacity of the mind to refer to an existent or nonexistent object.

   3. pointing beyond itself, as consciousness or a sign.

intentional

/ ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl /

adjective

1. performed by or expressing intention; deliberate

2. of or relating to intention or purpose

3. philosophy

   1. of or relating to the capacity of the mind to refer to different kinds of objects

   2. (of an object) existing only as the object of some mental attitude rather than in reality, as a unicorn in she hopes to meet a unicorn See also intensional

Other Word Forms

• intentionality noun
• intentionally adverb
• subintentional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intentional¹

First recorded in 1520–30; intention + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See deliberate.

Example Sentences

Bouchard explains how the show’s approach to being inclusive is intentional.

From Los Angeles Times

“The way that it moved just seemed really intentional,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

What this shows is although there has been an intentional increase in how fast Arsenal play at times, it's a tool being used in specific games rather than all the time.

From BBC

The Global Terrorism Database counts incidents that involve intentional violence with political, social or religious motivation.

From Salon

She said he accepted the arson charge, on the basis that it was reckless rather than intentional, but the Crown did not accept that basis of plea.

From BBC

Related Words

• calculated 
• premeditated 
• voluntary 
• willful